My primary research interest is in the field of landscape ecology, i.e., how landscape pattern influences ecological processes. Using simulation models coupled with field observations, I explore how the interplay between abiotic conditions (e.g., habitat structure, natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes) and biotic processes (e.g., competition, dispersal, growth, succession) governs the behavior of plants and animals at landscape scales. One emphasis of my research is to use models, interfaced with remote sensing (from satellite and airborne instruments) and geographic information systems, to explore the spatial properties of ecological systems.