Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Porder

Harmony investigated the soil fertility of a tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico and how important environmental conditions, such as species, topographic position and bedrock composition, influence ecosystem formation. Using measurements of leaf nutrient content and stable isotopic tracers, she characterized the amount and sources of nutrients that are available for biological usage. This project will contribute to a fundamental understanding of the forces shaping diverse tropical ecosystems, which will aid future efforts in their conservation.