I am interested in experimental and functional forest ecology, with a particular focus on species-driven ecological processes such as herbivory and decomposition, and the role functional traits play in shaping these processes. I also study how functional traits vary in response to environmental change.
A key area of my research explores how interactions between plant-derived defence compounds and soil food webs influence soil processes, particularly those related to carbon and nutrient cycling. Additionally, I have a strong interest in lichens and mosses, especially their ecological roles in influencing higher trophic levels and modifying microclimatic conditions.
I am currently involved in the projects "EcoForest - Forestry effects on biodiversity, carbon stocks and ecological processes in mature boreal forests" and "Predicting the impact of drought and increased temperatures on boreal forest ecosystems in Norway - PREDICT".
My publications at Google Scholar and at ResearchGate
Current PhD-candidates:
William E. Gromstad (2025-) Long-term effects of forestry on invertebrate communities are driven by dead wood deficiency
Lisa Åsgård (2024-) Belowground drivers of forest ecosystem production, health and resilience
Lea-Rebekka Tonjer (2020-) The role of interactions between soil fauna and polyphenols for nutrient and carbon cycling
Previous PhD-candidates:
Milda Norkute (2021-2025; co-supervisor) Forestry effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions
Rieke Lo Madsen (2021-2025; co-supervisor) Long-term effects of clear-cutting on soil carbon dynamics in boreal Norway spruce forests
Vilde Haukenes (2020-2024; co-supervisor) Historical and contemporary drivers of organic soil and charcoal carbon stocks in boreal forests
Yngvild Ransedokken (2017-2023; co-supervisor) Plant- and fungi-derived belowground carbon in different boreal forest types
Kristel van Zuijlen (2016-2019) Functional traits and decomposition of lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants in an alpine ecosystem
Ruben E. Roos (2016-2019) Functional traits across primary producer groups and their effects on micro-arthropod communities in alpine Norway
Areas of Work
Publications
Teaching
Research and projects