معرفی
Jason Hoeksema is a Professor of Biology and Associate Chair at the University of Mississippi, where he also serves as Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts. His research lab investigates the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of species interactions, with a focus on plant-fungal symbioses such as mycorrhizal networks, as well as bird ecology in agricultural wetlands.
- B.S. in Biology, University of Michigan-Flint (1992)
- Ph.D. in Ecology, University of California, Davis (2002)
- Postdoctoral training at UC Santa Cruz and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (Duke)
Dr. Hoeksema's research spans mutualism, parasitism, and competition, using field studies, lab experiments, modeling, and meta-analysis. His work addresses how mycorrhizal fungi influence plant-plant interactions, how co-invasions of pines and fungi alter ecosystems, and how managed flooding in agriculture can restore wetlands for migratory birds. He leads the Hoeksema Lab and teaches courses in Ornithology, Mycology, Biometry, and Meta-analysis.
His recent publications reveal critical insights into citation bias in mycorrhizal network research and challenge the popular "Wood-wide Web" narrative. His team maintains MycoDB, a global database for plant responses to mycorrhizal fungi, supporting meta-analyses across hundreds of studies.
- NSF IRES Grant #1953299: Graduate research in South Africa and Australia on plant-fungal invasions
- DOE-funded project on CO2 enrichment and fungal shifts in eucalypt forests
- EPA Gulf of Mexico Farmer to Farmer grant on managed flooding and crop yield
Dr. Hoeksema advises graduate students such as Emma Counce and Bridget Piculell and collaborates internationally with researchers from institutions in the U.S., Australia, South Africa, and Europe. His outreach includes working with high school students on soil ecology experiments and engaging with public media through interviews and press coverage.
His lab operates the Hoeksema Lab, conducting fieldwork in Mississippi, California, Mexico, and abroad, with ongoing projects in forest ecology, agricultural sustainability, and conservation biology.
