Klausmeier-Litchman Lab

Welcome to the Klausmeier-Litchman lab! We study empirical and theoretical community ecology, biodiversity and climate change, focusing on phytoplankton, other microbes and general theory. We use observation, experiments, mathematical models, and data syntheses to answer fundamental ecological questions, from the physiological to the global scale. 

We (Chris and Elena) have run a joint lab since 2005. There are many advantages to this arrangement. It provides lab members with different perspectives, both empirical and theoretical, it generates more opportunities for collaborations and learning a broader range of tools and approaches, and contributes to success in obtaining funding.

Interested in joining the lab? Explore the research topics and contact us if you're looking to work on some of ecology's most fascinating questions! 

Open positions and funding opportunities

We are looking for PhD students to start in the fall of 2025 at MSU. Potential topics of interest in communty, theoretical or plankton ecology range from the eco-evolutionary assembly of communities, trait-based approaches to community resilience, harmful algal blooms and many others. Please get in touch if interested (litchman@msu.edu and klausme1@msu.edu). The application instructions can be found on the IBIO website.