Melissa DeSiervo

Melissa DeSiervo is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Union College (Schenectady, NY), specializing in population and community ecology. Her research focuses on species interactions, ecological dynamics, and the impacts of global environmental changes on ecosystems. She holds a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.S. from Humboldt State University, and a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College.

Her expertise spans quantitative ecology, with a focus on Arctic and alpine ecosystems, disturbance ecology, and mathematical modeling. She investigates topics such as insect pest dynamics, mosquito larval ecology, and the effects of climate change on plant and animal communities. Recent work includes studies on grassland succession, freshwater habitats in Greenland, and stream autotrophy patterns across the U.S.

Dr. DeSiervo teaches courses in ecology and evolutionary biology, including BIO 103: Diversity of Life and BIO 330: Ecology. Her research emphasizes linking theoretical models with empirical data, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to address complex ecological questions.

Publications span Ecology Letters, Ecosphere, and Forest Science, highlighting her contributions to understanding ecological stability, biodiversity responses to disturbance, and Arctic ecosystem dynamics. Her work frequently integrates spatial and temporal patterns of species abundance, with implications for conservation and climate adaptation strategies.