Rob Massatti, Ph.D.
Dr. Rob Massatti is a research ecologist and plant geneticist with the Southwest Biological Science Center.
Dr. Massatti is interested in how species and their genetic variation are distributed across western North America, and investigates the historical and contemporary factors influencing these patterns using genetic, environmental, and distributional data. This research framework allows him to place findings in the context of restoration and native plant materials development.
Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
2016 - 2018: Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
2015 - 2016: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2008 - 2010: Assistant Director, Conservation Research Program, Institute for Applied Ecology, Corvallis, OR
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., 2015: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dissertation: Spatial And Temporal Factors Influencing the Distribution and Diversification of the Montane Flora
M.S., 2007: Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Thesis: A Floristic Inventory of the East Slope of the Wind River Mountain Range and Vicinity, Wyoming
B.S., 2002: Zoology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 24
Testing which axes of species differentiation underlie covariance of phylogeographic similarity among montane sedge species
Co‐distributed species may exhibit similar phylogeographic patterns due to shared environmental factors or discordant patterns attributed to the influence of species‐specific traits. Although either concordant or discordant patterns could occur due to chance, stark differences in key traits (e.g., dispersal ability) may readily explain differences between species. Multiple species’...
Authors
Richard G.J. Hodel, Robert Massatti, Sasha G.D. Bishop, L. Lacey Knowles
Forward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Drought, wildfires, and invasive species are among the many challenges practitioners face in achieving restoration goals in drylands. In this article, we highlight relevant restoration research and programs that pursue actionable information and resource management goals for the Intermountain West. In the context of international restoration targets recently set, we speak to dryland...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Robert Massatti, Sasha Reed
Genetically-informed seed transfer zones for Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
Genetically-based seed transfer zones are described herein for two priority restoration species on and adjacent to the Colorado Plateau (Massatti 2020). Species include Cleome lutea Hook. (Capparaceae; commonly called yellow spiderflower or yellow beeplant; synonym Peritoma lutea (Hook.) Raf.) and Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray (Asteraceae; commonly called hoary tansyaster...
Authors
Robert Massatti
Unexpected hybridization reveals the utility of genetics in native plant restoration
Native plant materials (NPMs) are increasingly utilized during the restoration of disturbed plant communities. Here, we analyze next‐generation genetic sequencing data for Hilaria jamesii, a dominant graminoid across drylands of the southwestern United States, and document that the species' only commercially‐available NPM, ‘Viva’, is a hybrid between H. jamesii and its sister species, H...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Robert Massatti
Assessment of population genetics and climatic variability can refine climate‐informed seed transfer guidelines
Restoration guidelines increasingly recognize the importance of genetic attributes in translocating native plant materials (NPMs). However, when species‐specific genetic information is unavailable, seed transfer guidelines use climate‐informed seed transfer zones (CSTZs) as an approximation. While CSTZs may improve how NPMs are developed and/or matched to restoration sites, they overlook...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Robert K. Shriver, Daniel E. Winkler, Bryce Richardson, John Bradford
The historical context of contemporary climatic adaptation: A case study in the climatically dynamic and environmentally complex southwestern United States
The process of adaptation can be highly dependent upon historical and contemporary factors, especially in environmentally and topographically complex regions affected by Pleistocene glaciations. Here, we investigate Hilaria jamesii (Poaceae), a dryland C4 graminoid, to test how patterns of adaptive genetic variation are linked to its glacial and post‐glacial history. We show that the...
Authors
Robert Massatti, L. Lacey Knowles
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 19 Report)
A primary focus of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and have identified...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha Reed, Michael Duniway, Seth Munson, John Bradford
Genetically-informed seed transfer zones for Pleuraphis jamesii, Sphaeralcea parvifolia, and Sporobolus cryptandrus across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
(Massatti) Introduction: The majority of native plant materials (NPMs) utilized for restoration purposes are developed for widely distributed species that provide a variety of ecosystem services (Wood et al. 2015; Butterfield et al. 2017). Disturbed ecosystems benefit from the use of appropriate NPMs, which are those that display ecological fitness at the restoration site, are compatible...
Authors
Robert Massatti
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 18 Report)
Introduction A primary focus of the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and identified a broad suite of research...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha Reed, Michael Duniway, Seth Munson, John Bradford
Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi (Fabaceae) resolve taxonomy and enable effective conservation
Premise of the StudyAstragalus sect. Humillimi is distributed across the southwestern United States and contains two endangered taxa, A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus. The former was originally described from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Analysis of individuals discovered on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon yielded some evidence that the population represented a...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Matthew Belus, Shahed Dowlatshahi, Gerard J. Allan
Population history provides foundational knowledge for utilizing and developing native plant restoration materials
A species’ population structure and history are critical pieces of information that can help guide the use of available native plant materials in restoration treatments and decide what new native plant materials should be developed to meet future restoration needs. In the western United States, Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass; Poaceae) is an important component of grassland...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Holly R. Prendeville, Steve Larson, Bryce Richardson, Blair Waldron, Francis F. Kilkenny
Beyond traditional ecological restoration on the Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau is one of North America's five major deserts, encompassing 340,000 km2 of the western U.S., and offering many opportunities for restoration relevant to researchers and land managers in drylands around the globe. The Colorado Plateau is comprised of vast tracts of public land managed by local, state, and federal agencies that oversee a wide range of activities (e.g...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Dana M. Backer, Jayne Belnap, John Bradford, Bradley J. Butterfield, Stella M. Copeland, Michael Duniway, Akasha M. Faist, Stephen E. Fick, Scott L. Jensen, Andrea T. Kramer, Rebecca K. Mann, Robert Massatti, Molly L. McCormick, Seth Munson, Peggy Olwell, Steve D. Parr, Alix Pfennigwerth, Adrienne M. Pilmanis, Bryce Richardson, Ella M. Samuel, Kathy See, Kristina E. Young, Sasha Reed
Non-USGS Publications**
Massatti, R., Doherty, K.D. and Wood, T.E. (2018), Resolving neutral and deterministic contributions to genomic structure in Syntrichia ruralis (Bryophyta, Pottiaceae) informs propagule sourcing for dryland restoration. Conservation Genetics, 19: 85.
Knowles, L. L. and Massatti, R. (2017), Distributional shifts – not geographic isolation – as a probable driver of montane species divergence. Ecography, 40: 1475-1485.
Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Contrasting support for alternative models of genomic variation based on microhabitat preference: species‐specific effects of climate change in alpine sedges. Molecular Ecology, 25: 3974-3986.
Knowles, L. L., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Lanier, H. C. (2016), Quantifying the similarity between genes and geography across Alaska's alpine small mammals. Journal of Biogeography, 43: 1464-1476.
Massatti, R. , Reznicek, A. A. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Utilizing RADseq data for phylogenetic analysis of challenging taxonomic groups: A case study in Carex sect. Racemosae. American Journal of Botany, 103: 337-347.
Lanier, H. C., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Knowles, L. L. (2015), Colonization from divergent ancestors: glaciation signatures on contemporary patterns of genomic variation in Collared Pikas (Ochotona collaris). Molecular Ecology, 24: 3688-3705.
Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2014), Microhabitat differences impact phylogeographic concordance of codistributed species: genomic evidence in montane sedges (Carex L.) from the Rocky Mountains. Evolution, 68: 2833-2846.
Coop, J. D., Massatti, R. T. and Schoettle, A. W. (2010), Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand‐replacing fire: effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21: 472- 487.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 24
Testing which axes of species differentiation underlie covariance of phylogeographic similarity among montane sedge species
Co‐distributed species may exhibit similar phylogeographic patterns due to shared environmental factors or discordant patterns attributed to the influence of species‐specific traits. Although either concordant or discordant patterns could occur due to chance, stark differences in key traits (e.g., dispersal ability) may readily explain differences between species. Multiple species’...
Authors
Richard G.J. Hodel, Robert Massatti, Sasha G.D. Bishop, L. Lacey Knowles
Forward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Drought, wildfires, and invasive species are among the many challenges practitioners face in achieving restoration goals in drylands. In this article, we highlight relevant restoration research and programs that pursue actionable information and resource management goals for the Intermountain West. In the context of international restoration targets recently set, we speak to dryland...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Robert Massatti, Sasha Reed
Genetically-informed seed transfer zones for Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
Genetically-based seed transfer zones are described herein for two priority restoration species on and adjacent to the Colorado Plateau (Massatti 2020). Species include Cleome lutea Hook. (Capparaceae; commonly called yellow spiderflower or yellow beeplant; synonym Peritoma lutea (Hook.) Raf.) and Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray (Asteraceae; commonly called hoary tansyaster...
Authors
Robert Massatti
Unexpected hybridization reveals the utility of genetics in native plant restoration
Native plant materials (NPMs) are increasingly utilized during the restoration of disturbed plant communities. Here, we analyze next‐generation genetic sequencing data for Hilaria jamesii, a dominant graminoid across drylands of the southwestern United States, and document that the species' only commercially‐available NPM, ‘Viva’, is a hybrid between H. jamesii and its sister species, H...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Robert Massatti
Assessment of population genetics and climatic variability can refine climate‐informed seed transfer guidelines
Restoration guidelines increasingly recognize the importance of genetic attributes in translocating native plant materials (NPMs). However, when species‐specific genetic information is unavailable, seed transfer guidelines use climate‐informed seed transfer zones (CSTZs) as an approximation. While CSTZs may improve how NPMs are developed and/or matched to restoration sites, they overlook...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Robert K. Shriver, Daniel E. Winkler, Bryce Richardson, John Bradford
The historical context of contemporary climatic adaptation: A case study in the climatically dynamic and environmentally complex southwestern United States
The process of adaptation can be highly dependent upon historical and contemporary factors, especially in environmentally and topographically complex regions affected by Pleistocene glaciations. Here, we investigate Hilaria jamesii (Poaceae), a dryland C4 graminoid, to test how patterns of adaptive genetic variation are linked to its glacial and post‐glacial history. We show that the...
Authors
Robert Massatti, L. Lacey Knowles
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 19 Report)
A primary focus of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and have identified...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha Reed, Michael Duniway, Seth Munson, John Bradford
Genetically-informed seed transfer zones for Pleuraphis jamesii, Sphaeralcea parvifolia, and Sporobolus cryptandrus across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
(Massatti) Introduction: The majority of native plant materials (NPMs) utilized for restoration purposes are developed for widely distributed species that provide a variety of ecosystem services (Wood et al. 2015; Butterfield et al. 2017). Disturbed ecosystems benefit from the use of appropriate NPMs, which are those that display ecological fitness at the restoration site, are compatible...
Authors
Robert Massatti
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 18 Report)
Introduction A primary focus of the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and identified a broad suite of research...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha Reed, Michael Duniway, Seth Munson, John Bradford
Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi (Fabaceae) resolve taxonomy and enable effective conservation
Premise of the StudyAstragalus sect. Humillimi is distributed across the southwestern United States and contains two endangered taxa, A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus. The former was originally described from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Analysis of individuals discovered on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon yielded some evidence that the population represented a...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Matthew Belus, Shahed Dowlatshahi, Gerard J. Allan
Population history provides foundational knowledge for utilizing and developing native plant restoration materials
A species’ population structure and history are critical pieces of information that can help guide the use of available native plant materials in restoration treatments and decide what new native plant materials should be developed to meet future restoration needs. In the western United States, Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass; Poaceae) is an important component of grassland...
Authors
Robert Massatti, Holly R. Prendeville, Steve Larson, Bryce Richardson, Blair Waldron, Francis F. Kilkenny
Beyond traditional ecological restoration on the Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau is one of North America's five major deserts, encompassing 340,000 km2 of the western U.S., and offering many opportunities for restoration relevant to researchers and land managers in drylands around the globe. The Colorado Plateau is comprised of vast tracts of public land managed by local, state, and federal agencies that oversee a wide range of activities (e.g...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Dana M. Backer, Jayne Belnap, John Bradford, Bradley J. Butterfield, Stella M. Copeland, Michael Duniway, Akasha M. Faist, Stephen E. Fick, Scott L. Jensen, Andrea T. Kramer, Rebecca K. Mann, Robert Massatti, Molly L. McCormick, Seth Munson, Peggy Olwell, Steve D. Parr, Alix Pfennigwerth, Adrienne M. Pilmanis, Bryce Richardson, Ella M. Samuel, Kathy See, Kristina E. Young, Sasha Reed
Non-USGS Publications**
Massatti, R., Doherty, K.D. and Wood, T.E. (2018), Resolving neutral and deterministic contributions to genomic structure in Syntrichia ruralis (Bryophyta, Pottiaceae) informs propagule sourcing for dryland restoration. Conservation Genetics, 19: 85.
Knowles, L. L. and Massatti, R. (2017), Distributional shifts – not geographic isolation – as a probable driver of montane species divergence. Ecography, 40: 1475-1485.
Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Contrasting support for alternative models of genomic variation based on microhabitat preference: species‐specific effects of climate change in alpine sedges. Molecular Ecology, 25: 3974-3986.
Knowles, L. L., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Lanier, H. C. (2016), Quantifying the similarity between genes and geography across Alaska's alpine small mammals. Journal of Biogeography, 43: 1464-1476.
Massatti, R. , Reznicek, A. A. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Utilizing RADseq data for phylogenetic analysis of challenging taxonomic groups: A case study in Carex sect. Racemosae. American Journal of Botany, 103: 337-347.
Lanier, H. C., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Knowles, L. L. (2015), Colonization from divergent ancestors: glaciation signatures on contemporary patterns of genomic variation in Collared Pikas (Ochotona collaris). Molecular Ecology, 24: 3688-3705.
Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2014), Microhabitat differences impact phylogeographic concordance of codistributed species: genomic evidence in montane sedges (Carex L.) from the Rocky Mountains. Evolution, 68: 2833-2846.
Coop, J. D., Massatti, R. T. and Schoettle, A. W. (2010), Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand‐replacing fire: effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21: 472- 487.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.