Chandra Jack

Assistant Professor, Biology

My broad research interests are the evolution and ecology of complex biotic interactions between individuals and their subsequent effect on fitness and population structure. It has long been accepted that ecology influences evolution but only recently has is it become recognized that evolution can influence ecological processes and change community dynamics. My research explores how species interactions can drive rapid evolution of traits and affect the fitness of interacting species. Specifically, I am investigating how plant fitness is affected by simultaneously engaging in interactions with above- and below-ground community members, particularly in invasive species looking to become established in novel ranges. My work applies experimental, molecular, and computational techniques to understand the eco-evolutionary dynamics of invasive species entering new ranges.

Degrees

  • Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, 2011
  • B.A. in Biology, Rice University, 2005

Affiliated Department

Biology

Scholarly and creative works

  • Article in Refereed Journal

    An exploration of how plant and soil characteristics shape the Hypericum perforatum microbiome in three habitats

    Published in Plant Ecology
    2024
    Renee H Petipas, Steven A Higgins, Chantal Koechli, Spencer J Debenport, Chandra N Jack, Monica A Geber, Daniel H Buckley
  • Presentations

    The functional rhizosphere:  how microbes and soil health influence plant fitness and functional traits

    March
    2023
    Sponsored by New England Botanical Club
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    The functional rhizosphere:  how microbes and soil health influence plant fitness and functional traits

    2023
    Sponsored by College of the Holy Cross Biology Department
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Partner quality and patterns of selection on functional traits in Trifolium

    American Society of Plant Biologists
    Savannah, GA
    2023
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    Clark University Biology Department Seminar
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    Sponsored by University of New Hampshire Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Microbial influences on plant functional traits in natural and agricultural system

    Sponsored by University of Georgia Department of Plant Biology
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    American Society of Microbiology
    Washington DC
    June
    2022
    Sponsored by American Society of Microbiology
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    Changing Microbiomes Symposium
    State College, PA
    May
    2022
    Sponsored by Penn State Microbiome Center
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    University of Vermont Plant Biology Seminar
    University of Vermont
    2022-04-21
    2022
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Selection on microbially-mediated traits in natural and agricultural systems

    Harvard Forest Seminar
    (online)
    2022-02-23
    2022
    Sponsored by Harvard Forest
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Presentations

    Microbial influences on plant functional traits in natural and agricultural system

    December
    December
    2022
    Sponsored by University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Chandra N. Jack
  • Other Scholarly or Creative Work

    Microstar: Dicty (Dictyostelium discoideum)

    Joan Strassmann, Tyler Larsen, Chandra N. Jack, Debra Brock, David Queller

Awards and grants

  • Collaborative Research: ORCC: Identifying microbially-mediated mechanisms of plastic and evolved adaptive climate-change responses in aquatic plants

  • Partner choice and transgenerational effects in Trifolium

    NSF

  • Linking functional and taxonomic diversity of diazotrophs under contrasting management regimes for enhanced crop productivity

    USDA NIFA AFRI