Jim Shaffer

Research Interests

I am a broadly trained ecologist interested in human interactions with the function of ecological communities and ecosystems. I apply experimental and observational field techniques to better understand how plant communities develop and how disturbances (e.g. fire, herbivory, invasive species) interact with species traits and plant success. The overarching goal of my research is to better inform restoration practices in human impacted systems. Currently my research focuses on the recruitment of hardwood tree seedlings into the unique and globally imperiled Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Savanna-Woodland (KIBSW). This project imposes ecological filters to determine which species may successfully recruit into this community, determine efforts we can utilize to manage remnant savanna parcels for native biodiversity and habitat, and elucidate the basic biology on this group of understudied tree species. Similarly, I have researched how climate change influences tree range expansion in the Maine Woods and the benefits of "assisted migration"; how land use change along the urban-rural gradient has impacted water quality and successful riparian zone restoration techniques; how the role of an introduced invasive beetle caused the extirpation of a dominant subcanopy tree in coastal maritime forests; and how forest management practices influence tree seedling ecophysiology in upland hardwood forests.

Education

BS in Ecology & Biodiversity, Sewanee: The University of the South (2006)
MS in Biology, University of Kentucky (2013)

PhD in Biology, University of Kentucky (2023)

Selected Publications:

 

Shaffer, J.D. 2023. "Competition and Herbivory Influence the Survival, Growth, and Physiology of Native Tree Seedlings in the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Savanna-Woodland." Theses and Dissertations--Biology. Paper 93. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/biology_etds/93/

Westneat, D.F., Potts, L.J., Sasser, K.L., and Shaffer, J.D. 2019. Causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity in complex environments. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 34(6): 555-568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2019.02.010

Shaffer, J.D., Gleeson, S.K., and Cox, J.J. 2016. Incorporating Disturbance Ecology into Native Hardwood Tree Seedling Restorations of the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Savanna-Woodland. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Annual Research Highlights, 2015. Volume IX. Publication of the Wildlife and Fisheries Division. November 2016, 85 pp. https://fw.ky.gov/More/documents/2015researchhighlights.pdf

Shaffer, J.D. 2016. Emerald Ash Borer Threatens Native Ash Trees. EcoLink: Newsletter of the Ecological Research and Education Center (Field Station of the Bluegrass). Ecolink 1(2): 2. http://darwin.uky.edu/~erec/documents/EcoLink_V01-I02.pdf

Shaffer, J.D. 2016. Tree Restoration in Kentucky Bluegrass Woodlands. EcoLink: Newsletter of the Ecological Research and Education Center (Field Station of the Bluegrass). Ecolink 1(1): 2. http://darwin.uky.edu/~erec/documents/EcoLink_V01-I01_Feb2016.pdf

Shaffer, J.D., Gleeson, S.K., Cox, J.J, and Lhotka, J.M. 2014. Ecological Factors Influencing Native Hardwood Seedling Establishment in the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Blue Ash-Oak Savanna-Woodland. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Annual Research Highlights, 2013. Volume VII. Publication of the Wildlife and Fisheries Division. October 2014: 90pp (p 45). http://fw.ky.gov/More/Documents/2013ResearchHighlights.pdf

Shaffer, J.D. 2013. "Factors Influencing the Establishment and Survival of Native Hardwood Tree Seedlings of the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Blue Ash-Oak Savanna-Woodland". Theses and Dissertations--Biology. Paper 15. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/biology_etds/15/