Research Areas
We build a trait-based framework to understand how fungi react to global change drivers. We also examine how fungal pathogenicity connects to climate change and the growing risk of emergent pathogens in a warming world. Finally, we study microbial diversity and function across the varied landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert and how that work informs restoration efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Romero-Olivares lab study?
The lab focuses on three main areas: a trait-based approach to fungal responses to global change drivers, the link between fungal pathogenicity and climate change including emergent pathogen risk, and microbial diversity and function in the heterogeneous Chihuahuan Desert landscape and its effects on restoration.
What is a trait-based approach to fungal responses?
It is one of the lab's core research areas: using fungal traits to understand how fungi respond to global change drivers.
How does climate change relate to fungal pathogens?
A key research area for the lab is examining how fungal pathogenicity links to climate change and the risk of new pathogens emerging as the climate shifts.
Where does the lab conduct fieldwork?
The lab investigates microbial diversity and function across the varied Chihuahuan Desert landscape, and how that research supports restoration efforts.
How can I read the lab's published work?
You can find the lab's publications on the Publications page, which also links to Google Scholar, ORCID, and Publons profiles.
Who leads the lab?
The lab is led by P.I. Adriana L. Romero-Olivares. You can learn more about the team on the People page.
Our work connects fungal ecology with real-world environmental change. By linking traits, pathogenicity, and desert microbial communities, we aim to inform restoration and predict how fungi will fare in a shifting climate.