Welcome to the Deyle Dynamic Ecology Lab. Here you will find a bit of information about who we are and what we do.
We use data, computation, and mathematics to investigate how interactions shape change-over-time in marine ecosystems.
We are interdiscplinary and collaborative. Here at Tufts we collaborate closely with the Rotjan Lab as well as the Kaufman Lab at Boston University.
Research Approaches
Empirical Dynamic Modeling
Our biggest single tool for understanding ecosystem dynamics built on nonlinear time-series analysis.
Ecological Forecasting
Making practical predictions can be an end unto itself or a means to an end. We do both!
Coupled Human-and-Natural Systems
Ecosystems include people! Our studies of interaction include coupling between humans and nature (CHANS).
Research Themes
Data-science for Marine Stewardship.
Data-science for Marine Stewardship.
- Interaction is fundamental to the entire concept of an ecosystem, but often in modeling and management we treat ecosystem pieces in a vacuum.
- We study how the physical ocean (Physical-biological coupling) and plankton populations (bottom-up trophic coupling) underlie fisheries dynamics.
- Time-series analysis shouldn't just be practical for the best studied species in the most carefully monitored places. We're working to leverage spatial structure in populations and their data to address data-poor and emerging fisheries.
- Using data and analysis to formally and quantitatively connect fisheries to water quality, land/sea use, and ocean energy, i.e. transitioning EBFM to true EBM.
The Dynamics of Coral Restoration.
The Dynamics of Coral Restoration.
- Practitioner-led collaboration with Fragments of Hope, Belize.
- Tracking restoration success and change-over-time in the reef community through 3D Photogrammetry and underwater Large Area Imaging.
- Understanding relationships between restoration of coral cover, restoration of ecosystem functioning, and restoration of ecosystem services to coastal communities.
Dynamic Coupling.
Dynamic Coupling.
- Collaborations focused on timely problems with translational potential to understand
- Physical-Biological coupling in public health.
- Plankton and Biogeochemistry coupling in Alpine Lakes.
- Interactions between Functional Groups in old field grasslands.
- As well as
- Within individual human athletes.
- In the Earth climate system.