James Cahill

James Cahill is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on plant ecology, community ecology, and conservation biology, with a particular emphasis on plant behavior, biodiversity, and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors such as climate change and invasive species. He leads the Laboratory of Experimental Plant Ecology, employing experimental approaches in natural and controlled environments to address fundamental ecological questions.

Dr. Cahill teaches courses like BIOL 408/508 Foundations of Ecology, emphasizing student-led learning and critical engagement with foundational ecological concepts. He actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in plant ecology and related fields, encouraging externally funded applicants. His work bridges basic research and public-facing applications, supported by taxpayer and tuition funding.

Key research themes include plant competitive strategies, invasion biology, and the effects of drought and defoliation on grassland ecosystems. He collaborates on global projects analyzing biodiversity patterns and ecological resilience, with recent studies highlighting underappreciated drought impacts and the role of dark diversity in vegetation impoverishment. His lab’s experimental methods include mesocosm studies and field experiments to dissect plant-soil interactions and community assembly processes.