Our People
Dr. David Mason is the plant ecologist at The Jones Center at Ichauway, where he investigates groundcover community assembly by blending theoretical plant ecology with wildlife and disturbance ecology. His research will integrate plant-wildlife-disturbance interactions into the broader mission and vision of the Plant Ecology Lab to 1) conserve and promote native groundcover and 2) improve restoration and management outcomes in the longleaf pine ecosystem. David received his B.A. in Environmental Studies from Richard Stockton University of New Jersey (2013), M.S. in Biology from Mississippi State University (2018), and Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida (2022).
Education
- Ph.D., Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida (2022)
- M.S., Biology, Mississippi State University (2018)
- B.A., Environmental Studies, Richard Stockton University (2013)
Professional Experience
- 2025-present: Assistant Scientist, Plant Ecology, The Jones Center at Ichauway
- 2023-2024: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Boone and Crockett Fellow, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
- 2022-2023: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
- 2019-2022: Graduate Research Assistant & Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
- 2016-2019: Graduate Research Assistant & Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University
Dr. Brantley is broadly interested in the effects of land management on water yield and balancing water yield with other ecosystem services. His previous research has given him a wide range of experiences in quantifying the effects of land cover change on fluxes of water, carbon, nitrogen, and sediments. His current research in the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem focuses on three primary areas: 1) interactions between prescribed fire and provision of ecosystem services 2) the effects of prescribed fire on tree stress and overall forest health, and 3) the potential role of longleaf pine restoration and prescribed fire in improving water yield. Dr. Brantley’s outreach activities center around raising awareness of links between land management, evapotranspiration, and watershed function.
Education
- Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, May 2009
- M.S. in Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, August 2005
- B.S. in Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, August 2003
Professional Experience
- 2020-Present: Associate Scientist, The Jones Center at Ichauway
- 2014-2020: Assistant Scientist, The Jones Center at Ichauway
- 2010-2014: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Coweeta Hydrologic Lab, Otto, North Carolina
- 2011- 2013: Adjunct Professor, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, Western Carolina University
- 2009–2010: Lab Manager, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University
- 2004–2009: Research Assistant, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University
- 2003- 2007: Lab Instructor, Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University
