Welcoming Dr. Megan Szojka to the Centre for Ecosystem Management

We’re excited to welcome our newest postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Megan Szojka, to the Centre for Ecosystem Management (CEM)! Megan’s research explores the fundamental processes that shape and sustain species assemblages—such as species interactions, abiotic drivers, and dispersal—and how these forces will play out under future global change scenarios.

At the CEM, Megan aims to bridge theoretical and data-driven approaches to better predict how temperature-dependent species interactions might either buffer or accelerate extinctions and the ecosystem transitions that follow. Her work will contribute important insights into the resilience—or vulnerability—of ecosystems in a warming world.

Megan’s research journey has taken her to some truly spectacular environments, including the alpine regions of Colorado. During her PhD, she investigated how global change drivers like warming, nitrogen addition, and snow addition influence the range expansion of a subalpine plant into alpine habitats. Her findings revealed that facilitative interactions between alpine plants and the encroaching subalpine plant were more common when multiple global change drivers occurred simultaneously. This work, supported by theoretical models, highlights the potential for species interactions to help buffer ecosystems against the negative effects of global change.

Reflecting on her time in the field, Megan shared:

“I am proud to be a part of the work that went on at Niwot Ridge as it has such a history of amazing work and scientists affiliated with the Ridge.”

Outside of research, Megan brings a creative and adventurous spirit to our team. She enjoys oil painting—particularly landscapes—and spends time training in agility with her two dogs. Whether she’s in the field, in the lab, or behind an easel, Megan brings curiosity, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.