Lynn M. Resler

Professional interests:

• Physical geography
• Ecological biogeography 
• Alpine treelines and other mountain ecotones
• Study abroad, experiential learning
• Geospatial applications in physical geography

My teaching and research interests are quite diverse, but generally lie within the broad subdiscipline of ecological biogeography. I have emphasized most of my research efforts on spatial pattern-process relationships, with a particular interest in vegetation pattern and dynamics at mountain ecotones. I am intrigued by questions that address how local biophysical and biotic processes affect broader vegetation patterns. For example: how exotic and invasive diseases impact treeline response to climate warming; how fine-scale geomorphic processes and patterns influence tree seedling growth and ultimately treeline advance; and how historical land use impacts contemporary vegetation pattern, are examples of some of the topics that have driven my past and present work. I conduct field-based research in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. and Canada, and in the high elevation ecosystems of the Appalachian Mountains. My work has been funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Park Service, Virginia Native Plant Society, and the Association of American Geographers, among others.

I am passionate about supporting physical geography education through implementing field-based, experiential learning opportunities and have more than 20 years of field experience to bring to this role. I have directed and led multiple learning experiences including: Service Without Borders, Mustang, Nepal (2024); Antarctica: Humans and the Environment (2017, 2023, 2024); Mountain Environments: Mount Baker, Washington (2013); Sustainability in New Zealand (2009, 2022); North American Landscapes: Atlantic Provinces (2009).

I currently serve as an editorial board member of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers, Physical Geography, Land, and Southeastern Geographer. I have served as Associate Editor at Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, and Progress in Physical Geography. I am a past president of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers (SEDAAG, 2020-2021), and past president of the Mountain Geography and Biogeography Specialty Groups of the AAG. 

Courses Recently Taught: 

• Biogeography (GEOG 4044)
• Mountain Geography (GEOG 3404)
• Survey of Geography (GEOG 1024)
• Topics in Physical Geography (GEOG 5444)
• Polar Environments (GEOG 3444)
• Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Ecosystem (GEOG 3954/5954)
• New Zealand: Sustainability and the Environment (GEOG  3954/5954)