I’m broadly interested in how ecosystems are altered as new species are added, especially when the species substantially alters the environment (an ecosystem engineer).
Zebra mussels are a notorious invasive species mostly because of their role as an ecosystem engineer, and I am interested in how they change aquatic ecosystems they invade and whether these changes are still substantial even when zebra mussels cannot achieve high population densities.
I am also interested in understanding how ecosystem engineers may modify habitats in ways that facilitate the establishment of additional species, such as by providing shelter and food.
Hallidayschult TC, Beyer JE, Hambright KD (2021) Spatial variation in propagule pressure and establishment of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) within a subtropical reservoir. Aquatic Invasions 16(1): 94–112, https://doi.org/10.3391/ai.2021.16.1.07