Ben Dolan

Introduction

Ben Dolan is an ecologist, ISA Certified Arborist®, and college professor.  He holds a PhD in forest ecology from Purdue University and teaches undergraduate courses in ecology, biology, GIS, botany, and conservation biology at the University of Findlay. He has led field biology courses in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. His research focuses on the effect of disturbances and pests on plant communities.

Teaching

Courses

Study Abroad

Dr. Dolan offers study abroad opportunities through the University of Findlay. Courses have included Natural History in the Dominican Republic and Natural History in Ecuador. Dr. Dolan's study abroad courses focus not only on ecology and field biology, but also on international development, particularly as it applies to conservation of natural resources and sustainable communities.

Tree Climbing

Ben teaches recreational tree climbing courses through the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies and in collaboration with certified arborist Joe Puperi. If you haven't climbed a tree since you were a kid and you want to give it another go, check out how to get started at Findlay Climbing.

Video by Jack Barger, University of Findlay

Discovery

Emerald Ash Borer

In collaboration with EREN, my lab group has described the initial plant community changes after emerald ash borer-induced ash mortality in hardwood forests of eastern North America.

Pawpaw

Several undergraduate students in my lab have conducted a series of bioassays to determine the impact of secondary compounds from pawpaw on other plant species.

Callery Pear & Bees

In collaboration with the OILER Lab at UFindlay, my lab is working to describe the pollinators that make use of Callery pear, as well as its potential as vector for spread of viruses among pollinators.