My research focuses on trying to understand spatial and temporal patterns in plant distributions. I do this with the help of remote sensing (GIS), molecular techniques and spatial and temporal modeling. One of my main research themes is how global change will affect plant communities and vegetation patterns. Based on this I try to design optimum conservation strategies that integrate economic and social development with environmental sustainability.
Most of the research is focused on tropical Asia, one of the fastest developing and changing tropical regions in the world. Its once continuous tropical forests are now fragmented and mostly degraded. These changes have put enormous pressures on tropical Asia’s natural ecosystems. My aim is to study these changes and try to find ways to maintain or restore the functions of tropical Asia’s natural ecosystems.