Dr. Anping Chen

Principal Investigator

I am the Principal Investigator of the CHEN research group, a Research Scientist within the Department of Biology, and a Faculty Affiliate of the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) at Colorado State University. I am a broadly trained plant and ecosystem ecologist who is particularly interested in terrestrial ecosystem carbon and water cycle responses to climate change from plant to biosphere scales. My expertise spans from field ecology, remote sensing, machine learning, to ecosystem and land surface modelling. I am also interested in natural history, theoretical and evolutionary ecology. Outside of work, I like hiking and appreciating the beauty of nature. I used to play soccer and sometimes badminton. Recently, I start playing pickleball, which so far looks like a lot of fun! I graduated from Peking University with BS & MS degrees, and obtained my PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University.

anping[DOT]chen[AT]colostate[DOT]edu 

Dr. Wenqiang Zhang

Postdoctoral Researcher

​I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the CHEN lab at Colorado State University. I started my postgraduate education at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. From 2020 to 2024, I pursued a Joint-PhD Degree at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China and Ghent University, Belgium. My research focuses on understanding the impacts of extreme events on carbon and water fluxes, integrating in situ and satellite data with hybrid models, and exploring the response and feedback mechanisms of carbon, water, and energy cycles to global warming. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities such as running and playing sports, as well as going to the gym for workouts. I am also interested in computers and related technology.

​wenqiang[DOT]zhang[AT]colostate[DOT]edu

Dr. Sarah Ortiz​

Postdoctoral Researcher

 ​I obtained my PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Ecology Evolution and Behavior (where I also completed my Bachelor degree!). The focus of my dissertation is understanding how species interactions - primarily belowground - drive ecosystem functioning processes in grassland systems through the lens of functional traits. My research incorporates a wide range of methodologies such as observational and experimental fieldwork, greenhouse studies, and statistical modeling to expand and make connections across biological scales. In my downtime, I love to eat and especially cook great-tasting food! I also enjoy activities that keep me active such as weight lifting and hiking.​

​​sarah[DOT]ortiz[AT]colostate[DOT]edu

Dr. Xiumei Ma

Postdoctoral Researcher

I obtained a PhD degree from Ghent University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. In my doctoral program, I focused my research on spectral data-driven modeling of geochemical elements in the Eastern Tianshan Cu-Ni mining area. Currently, I am a visiting scientist working on soil geochemistry, with a focus on quantifying soil carbon with hyperspectral data and data-driven models. During my free time, I like cultivating healthy habits and maintaining a positive attitude. I am passionate about sports and enjoy participating in various physical activities.

​xiumei[DOT]ma[AT]colostate[DOT]edu

Dr. Aaron Hogan

Visiting Postdoc

I am interested in how terrestrial ecosystems, mainly forests, respond to drivers of global change, including changes in ecosystem productivity and carbon cycling due to CO2 fertilization, changing disturbance regimes (including hurricanes), droughts, warming, and shifting plant community dynamics. I use a variety of approaches, from individual plant ecophysiological studies to larger-scale data syntheses, using plot-based inventory and remote sensing data.  I also have an interest in microbial ecology.  I have a PhD in Biology from Florida International University (2021) where my dissertation focused on tree root form and function, and a Master's degree from the University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras where my thesis focused on drivers of forest dynamics in the Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot.  I have completed post-doctoral positions at the University of Florida and USDA forest service.  I enjoy playing chess and doing activities outdoors, liking hiking and hunting. ​

Personal website: https://www.jamesaaronhogan.com/

Aaron is now an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M Univ. Congrats, Aaron!!

Kelly Nealon

PhD Student

I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s degree in Integrative Biological Diversity from Western Connecticut State University where my thesis research focused on introduction of a species of extirpated native aquatic plant (Podostemum ceratophyllum) into an impaired river in Norwalk, CT.
After my Master’s degree I spent four years working for a conservation nonprofit, contributing to wildlife and habitat preservation through the protection of standing tropical forests.
I am currently a PhD student at CSU, where I am broadly interested in biodiversity, habitat disturbance, carbon dynamics, and plant and forest ecology under global change, with a particular focus on succession in tropical secondary forests.
In my free time I love hiking, going on long runs, reading books, walking my dogs, and trying to keep houseplants alive!

Nora Moss

PhD Student

I am a current PhD student in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) at Colorado State University. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science from Maryville University of St. Louis in 2024. I am interested in researching how alpine wildflower communities respond to global climate change and environmental pollutants. Within my research, I have a strong interest in utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to answer ecological questions, such as incorporating methodology from evolution, chemistry, and ecological modeling. During my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, running, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.

Andie Hall (She/They)

I am a Junior in Ecosystem Sciences and Sustainability who is working as a mentee under Dr. Anping Chen through the SUPER program to study the phenological cycles of migratory birds and the impact of climate changes on their traits.

Leona Myers

I am a student at Colorado State University, where I’m pursuing a degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability with a minor in Conservation Biology. My primary interests lie in plant and ecosystem ecology, climate change mitigation, and carbon sciences. Currently, I am working with Dr. Anping Chen on research exploring the impacts of artificial light on bird migration patterns across the United States.

Sheena

​I don’t have any degree. My research focus is on testing different types of treats to discover which ones make me itchy. I’m also passionate about sleeping—I can happily snooze for 23 out of 24 hours. I enjoy being around people, though I’m not as fond of playing with Clyde.

Clyde

I don’t have a formal degree either. My research interest includes studying squirrels, rabbits, and birds; I measure their reaction times and running speeds, and test the hypothesis of Landscape of Fear (LoF). When I am not conducting my research, I like playing with Sheena.

Carlos

While I am not interested in acquiring any degrees, I seek to expand my research into finding the perfect nap spot. I am also interested in researching new methods to maximize my treat intake. Besides research, I love spending time outside walking and hiking with Nora!