Michelle Elise Spicer

Michelle Spicer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Lehigh University, specializing in plant community ecology within forested ecosystems with emphasis on plant diversity patterns, epiphyte dynamics, and disturbance impacts.

Dr. Spicer's educational background includes:

• PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh (Advisor: Dr. Walter Carson)
• MS in Earth & Environmental Sciences, Lehigh University (Advisor: Dr. Robert Booth)
• BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDEAS program) with concentrations in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Sustainability, Lehigh University

Her research program investigates (1) global drivers of plant diversity, (2) ecology and evolution of canopy-dwelling epiphytes, and (3) community resilience to natural and human-induced disturbances. The Spicer Lab employs field experiments across temperate and tropical forests to advance community assembly theory through studies of understudied plant groups including epiphytes and understory herbs.

Publication analysis (2014-2024) reveals consistent focus on forest community dynamics, with key trends in epiphyte establishment mechanisms in Neotropical cloud forests, disturbance legacy effects from windthrow/salvage logging, and comparative analyses of plant growth forms across biomes. Her work bridges ecological theory with conservation applications through experimental field approaches.

Dr. Spicer mentors undergraduates through EES 293 research credits and work-study programs, noting that while no funded graduate positions are currently available, she encourages prospective students to apply for NSF GRFP/PRFB fellowships. Her lab actively seeks external funding collaborations to support ongoing research.

The Spicer Lab conducts field-based research on plant assembly patterns and disturbance impacts in forest ecosystems, with current projects examining vertical epiphyte distribution in premontane cloud forests and legacy effects of tornado blowdown events on forest regeneration.