Pete was a technician in the Bowker Lab, assisting in a majority of the field work, as well as some of the day-to-day operations in the lab and greenhouse. My background is primarily in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. My interests include how biological soil crusts affect nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, and soil microbial communities in arid ecosystems. I believe that restoring biological soil crusts is crucial in protecting the large carbon pool that resides in dryland soils.I am also conducting research observing the effect of microclimate manipulations on cacti success in Organ Pipe National Monument. This work consists of fitting Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) cacti with a series of practical but yet stylish hats. This work is neither funded nor sanctioned by the Bowker Lab, however I am currently seeking funding and collaborators.
Pete has moved on to a Ph.D. project with ECOSS. The hat thing never worked out.
Pete, I think the hat treatment needs more development. I might select a series of stylish yet practical hats that vary in their ability to modify the microclimate, and employ them all in randomized blocks. I might consider a gradient from sombrero, to cowboy hat, to kangol (1980's LL Cool J variety). Best of luck with this exciting line of inquiry.
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