We study the dynamics of food webs and ecosystems.

Through analysis of predator-prey or plant-herbivore interactions, we resolve the functional role of species within communities and how those roles determine attendant ecosystem functioning. We combine empirical research with mathematical modeling and deal with a variety of ecosystems and study species on 4 continents, ranging from livestock and tigers in Indian jungles to monkeys in Panamanian tropical forests to insects and their spider predators in Connecticut grasslands.

Lab News

• Congratulations to Adam! He just got a bit National Geographic Grant to go back to Guyana and track Caiman. 
• Jennie's work was just featured at FES. "Using technology to help wild cats and humans coexist." Check out the article. 
• Kevin is in Turkey on behalf of National Geographic. Stay tuned for blog updates!
• Jennie is now Dr. Jennie Miller! Congratulations on a brilliant defense.
• Alex published her Master's Thesis describing a new species of mollusk and the geological history of the western U.S. in Conservation Genetics!
  
• Colin just published a perspectives paper about evolution in urban systems. Give it a look. 

• Learn about the impacts of new energy development and Anne's research in this Science Insider article!

Contact Us

Schmitz Lab
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
370 Prospect Street
Greeley Laboratory, Room 119
New Haven, CT 06511 USA
Phone: (203) 436-5276
oswald.schmitz [at] yale.edu

Recent Publications

Rosenblatt, A.E., and O.J. Schmitz. 2014. Interactive effectsof multiple climate change variables on trophic interactions: a meta-analysis. Climate Change Responses 1:8. [PDF]

Moore, A.C., Duda, T.F., and Burch, J.B. 2014. Recognition of a highly restricted freshwater snail lineage (Physidae: Physella) in southeastern Oregon: convergent evolution, historical context, and conservation considerations. Conservation Genetics. doi: 10.1007/s10592-014-0645-5

Donihue, C.M., and M.R. Lambert. 2014. Adaptive evolution in urban ecosystems. AMBIO. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0547-2

Ripple, W.J., J.A. Estes, R.L. Beschta, C.C. Wilmers, E.G. Ritchie, M. Hebblewhite, J. Berger, B. Elmhagen, M. Letnic, M. P. Nelson, O.J. Schmitz, D.W. Smith, A.D. Wallach and A. J. Wirsing. 2014. Status and ecological effects of the world's largest carnivores. Science: 243(6167): 1241484.


See all publications.

2013-2104 Schmitzers at our Fall BBQ (left to right): Rachel, Colin, Alex, Jeff, Anne, Adam, Karin, Jennie, Os, Rob, Kevin and Bryan.