David Gudex-Cross
Postdoctoral Research Associate
(608) 890-3160
126A Russell Laboratories
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Education
2018 Ph.D. in Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
2011 M.S. in Conservation Biology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
2008 B.S. in Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Research interests
I am driven by an endless desire to find patterns in complexity. This desire translates well in spatial ecology, where my research focuses on discerning ecological patterns and responses to change over time and space. To accomplish this, I integrate remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery) and field data to scale observations across broad spatial and temporal scales. Examples of my research projects to date include: 1) examining the effects of forest fragmentation on avian malaria prevalence and mosquito communities in New Zealand; 2) mapping tree species across the heterogeneous forests of the northeastern USA, quantifying trends in their abundance, and exploring potential drivers (e.g., climate) of those abundance trends; and 3) quantifying trends in forest phenology and examining potential drivers of phenological change across the northeastern USA. My current project in the SILVIS Lab focuses on using satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat) to develop new remote sensing indices of snow/ice across the continental USA for use in winter biodiversity studies.
Personal interests
I love to meet new people, hang out with friends, and spend some quality time alone to recharge my social batteries. I find great joy in helping people - I love teaching and mentorship in all their shapes and forms. Aside from the usual outdoor-related activities such as hiking, camping, and playing in the lake or woods, I enjoy writing poetry (or short stories) and performing it from time-to-time down at the local watering hole. I would also be remiss if I did not confess my love for craft beer and (extremely amateur attempts at) homebrewing.
