Daniel E Winkler, Ph.D.
Daniel is a plant ecophysiologist and evolutionary ecologist studying how populations respond to global climate change. He is a Research Ecologist with USGS and works with the BLM's Native Plant Program where he studies adaptive traits of native plants. He also conducts research throughout the desert southwest and in alpine areas of Colorado, Mexico, and Japan.
Daniel aims to identify solutions and strategies to enhance conservation efforts and equip managers with the tools necessary to respond to global climate change. His research bridges ecological experimentation with modern restoration, molecular, and ecophysiological methods to understand native plant adaptation primarily in arid and semi-arid dryland ecosystems. Daniel also studies the evolutionary ecology of invasive species and their impacts in protected systems, including lands managed by the NPS, BLM, USFWS, and USFS. Congruent with his studies in global change, Daniel is also interested in the social dimensions of decision-making in management and conservation.
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, United States Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, and Tucson, Arizona, 2017 - present
Fellow, National Park Service Young Leader in Climate Change, Saguaro National Park and Sonoran Desert Network, Arizona, 2015
Research Fellow, Water UCI Initiative, University of California, Irvine, 2014 - 2015
Fellow, NSF East Asia Pacific Summer Institute, Hokkaido University and Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan, 2014
Biological Science Technician, NPS Sonoran Desert Network, Tucson, Arizona, 2010 - 2011
Conservation and Land Management Intern, Bureau of Land Management, Vernal Field Office, Utah, 2009
Student Conservation Association Intern, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, 2008
Research Fellow, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Colorado, 2008
Biological Anthropology Intern, American Museum of National History, New York, 2007
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 2017- University of California, Irvine
Advised by Travis E. HuxmanM.S., Environmental Systems, 2013 - University of California, Merced
Advised by Lara M. KueppersB.A., Biological Anthropology, 2008 - New York University
Science and Products
Solutions in microbiome engineering: Prioritizing barriers to organism establishment
Climate change and other factors influencing the saguaro cactus
Drivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts
The demographic and ecological factors shaping diversification among rare Astragalus species
Incorporating biogeochemistry into dryland restoration
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2020 Report)
Muted responses to chronic experimental nitrogen deposition on the Colorado Plateau
Forward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Book review of "Plant anatomy—A concept based approach to the structure of seed plants"
Warming of alpine tundra enhances belowground production and shifts community towards resource acquisition traits
Experimental warming changes phenology and shortens growing season of the dominant invasive plant Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass)
Getting to the root of restoration: Considering root traits for improved restoration outcomes under drought and competition
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Solutions in microbiome engineering: Prioritizing barriers to organism establishment
Climate change and other factors influencing the saguaro cactus
Drivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts
The demographic and ecological factors shaping diversification among rare Astragalus species
Incorporating biogeochemistry into dryland restoration
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2020 Report)
Muted responses to chronic experimental nitrogen deposition on the Colorado Plateau
Forward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Book review of "Plant anatomy—A concept based approach to the structure of seed plants"
Warming of alpine tundra enhances belowground production and shifts community towards resource acquisition traits
Experimental warming changes phenology and shortens growing season of the dominant invasive plant Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass)
Getting to the root of restoration: Considering root traits for improved restoration outcomes under drought and competition
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.