Alexis Racelis studies ecological interactions in the social, political, and economic contexts in which they occur. In particular, his research is driven by a better understanding of how agriculture, urban development, invasive species and resource management affects certain ecological processes in the light of pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change, food and water security, sustainable development, and social justice. His lab uses this better understanding to effectively participate in the management of these environmental issues though scholarship, participatory action research, and leadership.