Luke Flory and his team are using AI and on-the-ground plant research to evaluate the effects of hurricanes on the Brazilian peppertree and Old World climbing fern. Flory wants to examine post-hurricane conditions that can be used to map the distribution of invasive plants.

“If we also can predict how hurricanes might alter the distribution or spread of invasive plants, then we can plan for when, where and how much more of the invader there might be after a storm,” said Flory. “If resources can be allocated ahead of time, then we can more effectively and efficiently manage invasions.”

• Stephen Flory