I am a community ecologist interested in understanding how microbial communities influence
multitrophic interactions among plants, insects and their predators. To do so, I utilize
greenhouse experiments and field studies, coupled with molecular and chemical techniques.
I apply this research to sustainable agriculture, working to develop novel methods
of natural pest control for organic farmers. If you are interested in diving into
these areas of research, please email me about research opportunities!
I am passionate about teaching and mentoring undergraduates and offer students a welcoming
and inclusive learning community in my classroom and lab. In my courses, I utilize
evidence-based teaching practices to engage students to think critically across scientific
disciplines and develop core skills in the process of science.
Meier A. R. 2022. Section 18.5 How does Indigenous stewardship affect biodiversity? in Campbell
A. M., Heyer L. J., Paradise C. J. Integrating Concepts in Biology. Portsmouth (NH): Trunity.
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Meier A. R. and Hunter M. D. 2021. Variable effects of mycorrhizal fungi on predator-prey dynamics
under field conditions. Journal of Animal Ecology 90(5):1341-1352.
Crossley M. S., Meier A. R., Baldwin E. M., Berry L. L., Crenshaw L. C., Hartman G. L., Lagos-Kutz D., Nichols
D. H., Patel K., Varriano S., Snyder, W. E., Moran M. D. 2020. No net insect abundance
and diversity declines across US Long Term Ecological Research sites. Nature Ecology and Evolution 4:1368-1376.
Fu Z., Meier A. R., Epstein B., Bergland A. O., Castillo-Carrillo C., Cooper W. R., Cruzado R. K., Horton
D. R., Jensen, A. S., Kelley J. L., Rashed A., Reitz S. R., Rondon S. I., Thinakaran
J., Wenninger E. J., Wohleb C. H., Crowder D. W., Snyder W. E. 2020. Host plants and
endosymbionts shape the population genetics of sympatric vectors. Evolutionary Applications 13(10): 2740-2753
Smith O. M., Cohen A. L., Rieser C. J., Davis A., Taylor J. M., Adesanya A. W., Jones
M. J., Meier A. R., Reganold J. P., Orpet R. J., Northfield T. D., Crowder D. W. 2019. Organic farming
provides reliable environmental benefits but increases variability in crop yields:
a global meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 3:82.
Meier A. R., and M. D. Hunter. 2019. Mycorrhizae alter constitutive and herbivore-induced volatile
emissions by milkweeds. Journal of Chemical Ecology 45:610-625.
Meier A. R., and M. D. Hunter. 2018. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate herbivore‐induction
of plant defenses differently above and belowground. Oikos 127:1759-1775.
Meier A. R., and M. D. Hunter. 2018. Mycorrhizae alter toxin sequestration and performance of
two specialist herbivores. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 6:33.
