Colin Orians
Research/Areas of Interest
Agroecology, climate change, climate adaptation, plant-herbivore interactions
Education
- PhD, Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, United States, 1990
- BA, Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, United States, 1984
Biography
I am interested in Global Change Biology, with particular emphasis on climate change, species invasion, and sustainability of natural and agricultural ecosystems. As a research group, we currently work in diverse agroecosystems – tea in China, coffee in Costa Rica, and vegetables and grains in Massachusetts – as well as in old fields, hemlock forests and urban green roofs. For example, we are studying the effects of climate change and herbivores on tea chemistry, and how it affects tea quality and productivity (as well as farmer livelihoods!). By integrating physiological, chemical, isotope techniques and theory, we strive to elucidate patterns, identify mechanisms, and anticipate future threats.