Current Members
Trace Martyn (PI)
Assistant Professor of Rangeland Science
Oregon State University
Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center
Curriculum Vitae
ResearchGate
ORCID
I grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina and it was there that I developed an interest in the environment and wildlife exploring the woods in my backyard. I studied Wildlife and Fisheries (BSc) at Colorado State University, Botany (MS) in the Lauenroth Lab at the University of Wyoming, and Community Ecology (PhD) in the Mayfield Community Ecology Lab at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia (lab is now at the University of Melbourne). After my PhD, I had the opportunity to learn about Restoration Ecology as a Postdoctoral researcher in the Gornish Lab at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Then, I re-joined the Lauenroth Lab at Yale University as a Postdoctoral Researcher working in Project and Data Management. I joined Oregon State University in Nov 2023 as an Assistant Professor in Rangeland Science. As part of my position, I teach classes at Eastern Oregon University in OSU’s Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Program including Rangeland Restoration and Management (RNG421/521), Wildland Plant ID (RNG353), Rangeland-Animal Relations (RNG442) and Ecology of Shrublands (RNG352). In addition, I perform my research in restoration and plant community dynamics at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center in Union and around the PNW and Great Basin.
When not doing research, I enjoy going hiking and photography (especially macrophotography of plants) which makes me a very slow hiking companion (i.e. the challenge with hiking with botanists is they are easily distracted by plants). My hobbies also include a breadth of crafts and arts - from wool processing and spinning to crocheting and knitting to acrylic portrait painting to sculpture and figurine repair.
Elizabeth Struble (Masters Student)
Hi! I'm Elizabeth Struble, a master's student in Rangeland Ecology and Management at Oregon State University. My research interests are in microbial communities, invasive species ecology, restoration, and rangeland ecosystems, and my thesis will focus on microbial seed coating technologies for restoration. I am originally from Oklahoma, where I got my undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University (go cowboys) in Environmental Science and Plant and Soil Science. I enjoy crafting, going to concerts, watching movies, and the occasional hike!
Alex Bellegarde (Undergrad - Branch Experiment Station Intern)
Alex Bellegarde is an undergraduate student studying Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University. They have a strong love of plants from studying Horticulture at Clackamas Community College, and they are always learning more about their interests in ecology and natural resources. Outside of school, Alex spends their time crafting, at community events, and camping.
Montana Burack (Undergrad - Branch Experiment Station Intern)
Co-advised with Bryan Endress
Montana Burack is an undergraduate student from Utah pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Water Resources and a certificate in GIS. She hopes to combine her interests in science, geography, and communications to help address natural resource issues. When not at school or work, she enjoys reading, photography, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Peter Wilbur (Undergrad Student - Technician)
Peter is an undergraduate student from Columbia, SC. He is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a specialization in applied ecology as well as a certificate in GIS. His goal is to use interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex environmental issues. Outside of school and work, Peter enjoys spending time in nature hiking, fishing, climbing, and biking.
Lab Alumni
MadDy Hjort (Undergrad Student - Technician - Summer 2025)
Kevin Carver (Masters Student - Graduated Spring 2026)
Thesis: Establishment and Production of Perennial Legumes as Affected by Shade Imposed by Solar Panels in an Agrivoltaics System in Oregon, USA.
Interested in Joining the Lab?
Graduate students
I currently do not have research assistantship funding for a graduate student. I am happy to work with students on grant applications such as the NSF GRFP (applications deadlines are usually mid-October).
Undergraduate Students
I am more than happy to support undergraduate students with paid internship/technician positions. I currently have no positions open but feel free to contact me and check here regularly.
Postdoctoral Researchers
I do not currently have funding to support postdoctoral researchers, but would happily support applications for postdoctoral fellowships such as NSF, NIFA, Smith Fellowships, and others. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions/interest in applying for these fellowships.