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Jen Schweitzer

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Research Interests

ecosystem ecology, community and ecosystem genetics, microbial ecology, plant-herbivore interactions

Using a combination of field research and experimental manipulations my research has been focused on the ecological and evolutionary links between above- and below-ground processes in forest ecosystems. I take a community and ecosystems genetics approach to understanding the ecosystem consequences of species interactions. With this approach I am interested in broadly addressing questions regarding the importance of biodiversity and genetic diversity, plant-animal interactions and invasive species to ecosystem ecology.

Recent Research Projects

  • The role of genetic-based plant traits (i.e. condensed tannin) on rates of litter decomposition and nitrogen cycling.
  • After-life effects of arthropod herbivory on litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics
  • The role of forest stand-level genetic diversity (heterozygosity) on soil microbial communities and nutrient availability
  • The role of introduced mammalian herbivores and fire on soil microbial communities, microbial enzyme activity and nitrogen dynamics
  • Heritability of soil microbial communities and nitrogen cycling
  • Role of genetic scale (provenance, stand, genotype) on ecosystem processes
  • Genetic-based feedbacks from plants to soils

Education

  • 2002 - Ph.D., Northern Arizona University

Selected Publications

  • Schweitzer, J.A., J.K. Bailey, D.G. Fischer, C.J. LeRoy, E.V. Lonsdorf, T.G. Whitham, and S.C. Hart. Soil Microorganism-Plant Interactions; Heritable relationship between plant genotype and associated microorgansims. Ecology.
  • Crutsinger, G.M., Habenicht, M.N., Classen, A.T., Schweitzer, J.A., N.J. Sanders. (2008) Galling by Rhopalomyia solidaginis alters Solidago altissima architecture and litter nutrient dynamics in an old-field ecosystem. Plant and Soil
  • Bangert, R.K., E.V. Lonsdorf, G.M. Wimp, S.M. Shuster, D. Fischer, J.A. Schweitzer, G.J. Allan, J.K. Bailey, and T.G. Whitham. (2008) Genetic structure of a foundation species: scaling community phenotypes from the individual to the region. Heredity 1-11.
  • Bailey, J.K., D.J. Irschick, J.A. Schweitzer, B.J. Rehill, R.L. Lindroth, and T.G. Whitham. 2007. Selective herbivory by elk results in rapid shifts in the chemical composition of aspen forests. Biological Invasions 9:715-722
Jen Schweitzer

Contact Information

Jen Schweitzer
Assistant Professor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
569 Dabney Hall
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-1610

Phone: (865) 974-0856
Fax: (865) 974-3067
Email: Jen.Schweitzer@utk.edu