Global Change

Research Group

Cathlyn (Cat) Davis Stylinski

Education

Grants/Fellowships/Scholarships

Publications and Conference Presentations

E-Mail to: catd@sunstroke.sdsu.edu

After her Masters' degree in 1994 on the effects of large-scale exotic disturbances on native shrub communities, Cat began doctoral research concerning the impact of climatic variations on narrow-waveband (hyperspectral) reflectance and woody plant photosynthesis in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. She is particularly interested in hyperspectral vegetation indices that are responsive to photoprotective xanthophyll pigments and short-term variations in photosynthetic activity.

This research has led Cat to natural carbon dioxide springs in Tuscany, Italy and a collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Analysis and Remote Sensing of Agriculture in Florence. Under investigation are the effects of chronic CO2 enrichment on leaf hyperspectral reflectance, chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments, photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency of several woody tree species. Cat is also investigating seasonal variations in leaf and canopy reflectance, pigment content and photosynthesis at the SDSU Sky Oaks Field Station in southern California to understand how water stress affects photoprotective xanthophyll pigments and hyperspectral reflectance of evergreen species.

Cat is in San Diego State University's joint-doctoral program with the University of California, Davis under the guidance of Drs. Walt Oechel and Susan Ustin (UCD). She is also working closely with Dr. John Gamon (CSU Los Angeles). Her research is supported by a NASA Earth System Science Fellowship and an NSF International Dissertation Enhancement Grant. She has also been honored with an Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Scholarship.

Career Interests and Goals:

Cat is interested in the use of narrow-waveband (hyperspectral) reflectance to monitor plant photosynthesis and distribution patterns. Her long-term goal is to teach and to conduct original research at the university level.

Education:

Ph.D. Ecology, San Diego State University and University of California, Davis.
Chairs: Dr. Walter Oechel (SDSU), Dr. Susan Ustin (UCD)
Dissertation title: Spatial and temporal variations in hyperspectral reflectance and plant photosynthesis
GPA: 4.00

M.S. Biology, San Diego State University. Spring 1994
Co-Chairs: Drs. Michael and Edith Allen
Thesis title: Successional changes in shrub communities following mechanical anthropogenic disturbance
GPA: 3.91

B.S. Radio-Television with Distinction, San Diego State University. May 1987

Grants/Fellowships/Scholarships:

1995-1997 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Graduate Fellowship
1996 National Science Foundation International Dissertation Enhancement Award
1996-1997 Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Blasker Fund Fellowship
1994 -1995 ARCS Scholarship
1992 California Native Plant Society Grant
1992 Mabel Myers Memorial Award
1992 Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club Grant

Publications and Conference Presentations:

Stylinski, C. D. and E. B. Allen (in revision) Lack of native species recovery following exotic disturbance in southern California shrublands. Journal of Applied Ecology.

Stylinski, C. D., W. C. Oechel, A. Raschi and J. A. Gamon (1997) Effects of long-term CO2 enrichment on narrow-band leaf reflectance, PSII light-use efficiency and photosynthesis of Quercus pubescens trees. MEDECOS VIII Conference, October 1997, San Diego, CA.

Stylinski, C. D., W. C. Oechel, F. Miglietta, A. Raschi and S. Ustin. (1997) Effects of long-term CO2 enrichment on chlorophyll concentration and leaf reflectance of three woody species. Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, August 1997, Albequerque NM.

Davis, C. M., S. A. Eliason and E. B. Allen (1994) Patterns and mechanisms of succession following mechanical disturbance in California shrub communities. MEDECOS VII Conference, October 1994, Santiago, Chile.