Ruirui Zhao

My research focuses on two themes related to forest ecology. The first examines why certain exotic tree species outperform native species, focusing on Pinus contorta. I investigate the ecological and evolutionary drivers of its success by combining population genetic analyses with studies of foliar fungal communities across native (North America) and introduced ranges (Sweden and the Southern Hemisphere).

A central focus of my second research theme is the long-term interplay between forest nitrogen cycling, soil microbial communities, and carbon dynamics in boreal ecosystems. Using tree δ¹⁵N records from the Swedish National Forest Inventory as a foundation, I investigate how temporal declines in tree δ¹⁵N correspond with shifts in belowground fungal communities, with a particular emphasis on ectomycorrhizal composition. In parallel, I examine the responses of soil fungi, carbon accumulation, and organic matter quality under experimental gradients of nitrogen availability.