Research interests
My research interests lie in understanding the processes that shape and maintain species diversity and distribution in natural ecosystems (e.g. modern coexistence theory, community assembly), and how anthropogenic environmental changes, such as plant invasion and climate change, affect species diversity and ecosystem functioning (e.g. resistance to invasive species, stability and productivity). To explore these aspects, I am using a combination of experiment, theory and analysis of synthesized large dataset.
Currently, I am addressing how species/phylogenetic/functional diversity influences invasibility by conducting a microcosm greenhouse experiment. I am also compiling a global dataset based on empirical studies published over last two decades (c. 100 studies) on the diversity-invasibility relationship, with an aim to explicitly disentangle how phylogenetic/functional features of non-native species and resident communities ultimately co-determine invasibility.
Previously, I worked on interacting ecological drivers in the invasion process of Chinese woody species in Europe, on the role of responses to shading in establishment of non-native woody plants, and also on indirect interactions between non-native and native plants.
Education
| 2011- | PhD student at University of Konstanz |
| 2010-2011 | Doctoral period in ecology at Lanzhou University |
| 2008-2010 | Master period in ecology at Lanzhou University |
| 2004-2008 | B.A. in National Education Bases Class of life science and biotechnology at Lanzhou University |
Publications
Feng Y & van Kleunen M (2014)
Responses to shading of naturalized and non-naturalized exotic woody species.
Annals of Botany 114:981-989.