This $175,380 project grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) aims to conduct a multi-decade synthesis on the concept of ecosystem heterogeneity and patchiness. The research will focus on integrating theories and insights from fields like community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and urban ecology to provide a cross-disciplinary understanding of this fundamental ecological principle and its societal relevance. The project, to be carried out by Arizona State University (ASU) over 2 years, will include developing multimedia educational resources to broadly communicate the findings. The synthesis will highlight how key ecological concepts have evolved over an exemplary scientific career, revealing cross-cutting strategies not apparent in individual research outputs. The project's broader impacts include informing urban planning, assessing disturbances in social-ecological systems, and supporting ecological education and mentoring efforts.
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