Ponisio Lab
The Ponisio lab, based within the University of Oregon’s Institute of Ecology and Evolution, is led by Dr. Lauren Ponisio. As an entomologist and data scientist, Dr. Ponisio focuses her research on the survival of pollinators, particularly bees, in forested environments that have been affected by harvest or wildfires. Collaborating with the ELP and Whitewater Ranch, the lab is tracking the growth of native pollinators planted in the upland areas of the ranch across former burn slash pile sites. This research aims to enhance our understanding of how wildfires, timber harvesting, and riparian zones affect the success rates of wildflowers after fires.
The Ponisio Lab studies how species interactions sustain biodiversity, with a focus on wild bees and pollinators. Their research explores how ecological networks function and how these insights can guide the restoration of ecosystems impacted by both human activity and natural occurrences such as wildfires.
Through fieldwork, modeling, and collaborative projects, the lab aims to improve pollinator health and support resilient, diverse environments.
