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My research program focuses on freshwater ecosystems, invasive species, parasite ecology, and animal behavior. I use freshwater organisms as a model system to understand fundamental ecological processes. For example, I study how behavioral traits in freshwater species affect ecosystem processes such as the cycling of nutrients, how invasive species affect freshwater communities, and how parasites alter the ecological role of their hosts. I also study the effects of management activities in and around freshwater habitats to provide practical information to managers. My research promotes the conservation of imperiled species, informs the management of invasive species, and enhances our understanding of human impacts on freshwater ecosystems in managed landscapes.
Lab Members
Riley Westman, M.S. Student
I am studying the impacts of urbanization on macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, I am interested in intraspecific behavioral variation within crayfish and dragonfly nymphs collected from urban versus forested streams and ponds. I am also interested in how urbanization alters the macroinvertebrate communities in these systems.
Kevin Grace, M.F.A.S. Student
I am using long-term data to examine changes in stream macroinvertebrate communities over time.
Kevin Grace, M.F.A.S. Student
I am using long-term data to examine changes in stream macroinvertebrate communities over time.
Lab Alumni
Coleson Wrege, Ph.D. 2025
"Prescribed fire effects on wetland macroinvertebrate communities, short-term production and insect emergence, and wetland nutrients"
Cheyenne Stratton, Ph.D. 2025
"Investigating the role of pathogens in crayfish invasion dynamics"
Bana Kabalan, M.S. 2021 and Ph.D. 2025
"Impacts of intraspecific variation in crayfish behavioral traits on stream ecosystem functions and structure"
"Investigating the drivers and ecological impacts of intraspecific behavioral trait variation"
Melanie Giangreco, M.F.A.S. 2024
"Stream and reservoir habitat effects on invasive crayfish behavior and injury"
Melanie Giangreco, M.F.A.S. 2024
"Stream and reservoir habitat effects on invasive crayfish behavior and injury"
Nicole Tripp, undergraduate researcher and technician
Nicole Tripp, undergraduate researcher and technician
Alison Atchia, research technician