I am a post-doc in Ellen Damschen’s lab at Washington University. My research examines seed dispersal and wind dynamics within experimental landscapes that manipulate habitat connectivity and heterogeneity at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC.  I’m fascinated by movement ecology and spatial patterns.  In particular, I’m interested in how such information can be applied to facilitate conservation of native biodiversity and invasive species management.

My Ph.D. research at Colorado State University focused on the dispersal of the invasive weed Centaurea diffusa.  This is one of a number of taxonomically diverse plants that disperse via the tumbleweed mechanism.  My work included building a wind tunnel to measure forces exerted on plants and plant stems, modeling the spatial pattern of tumbling movement, and measuring and modeling seed dispersal distances.
Prior to graduate school I worked for The Nature Conservancy to implement strategies to preserve native biodiversity and prevent the spread of exotic invasive plants in Colorado.  I also served as a volunteer fire fighter.  These and other diverse experiences as well as the influence of family members who felt strongly about conservation led me to pursue a research career in ecology and conservation biology.

Publications (click [pdf] for reprints)

Baker, D. V., K. G. Beck. 2008. The weed tunnel: building a wind tunnel. Weed technology 22:549-552. [pdf]

2008. Baker, D. V.,  K. G. Beck, B. J. Bienkiewicz, L. B. Bjostad. Forces Necessary to Initiate Dispersal for Three Tumbleweeds. Invasive Plant Science and Management 1:59-65.  [pdf]

In preparation. Baker, D. V., J. R. Withrow, C. S. Brown, K. G. Beck. Seed dispersal of Centaurea diffusa via the tumbleweed mechanism.

In preparation. Baker, D. V., D. M. Theobald, G. E. Liston, M. J. Laituri, K. G. Beck.  Spatial movement patterns of an invasive tumbleweed.