Welcome to the Axel Lab at Marshall University!
Research in the Axel Lab is varied, but in general, our goal is to characterize human modifications of landscapes and assess impacts on structure and biodiversity. Most of our research takes place in either of two highly biodiverse areas: the southern Appalachian Mountains or the tropical dry forests of southern Madagascar.
We use a combination of field- and computer-based techniques to study the spatial and ecological dynamics of human-modified landscapes. Much of our research relies on satellite/UAV (e.g., drone) remote sensing and acoustic monitoring with autonomous acoustic recorders, but we also employ a multitude of other tools and methods including: distance sampling, occupancy modeling, focal follows, GPS tracking, hemispherical photography, forestry inventory tools, and a suite of wireless sensors.
We use a combination of field- and computer-based techniques to study the spatial and ecological dynamics of human-modified landscapes. Much of our research relies on satellite/UAV (e.g., drone) remote sensing and acoustic monitoring with autonomous acoustic recorders, but we also employ a multitude of other tools and methods including: distance sampling, occupancy modeling, focal follows, GPS tracking, hemispherical photography, forestry inventory tools, and a suite of wireless sensors.
