Research Interests
I am an ecosystem ecologist and stream biogeochemist interested in stream ecosystem function and nutrient transformations in both
human- and climate-impacted freshwater systems. My research combines both field and laboratory studies, as well as the use of high-frequency sensing, to determine the mechanisms driving biogeochemical transformations and nutrient transport. I also aim to ground my research in translational ecology, in which my findings have real world impacts on conservation/restoration efforts and policy.
human- and climate-impacted freshwater systems. My research combines both field and laboratory studies, as well as the use of high-frequency sensing, to determine the mechanisms driving biogeochemical transformations and nutrient transport. I also aim to ground my research in translational ecology, in which my findings have real world impacts on conservation/restoration efforts and policy.
Current Projects
,Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbes in Streams (AIMS)
Intermittent streams make up >50% of global stream miles, yet research efforts largely focus on perennial systems. Moreover, the extent of intermittency is expected to increase with future climate change. Through the AIMS project, we seek to understand how intermittent streams control downstream water quality by quantifying how microbes and hydrology interact to control biogeochemical cycling. We have instrumented 9 sites across the USA with high-frequency sensors. For my postdoctoral research, I will combine these data with synoptic-style sampling across the 9 watersheds to understand the physical and biological mechanisms controlling biogeochemical cycling in intermittent streams. Focus: high-frequency sensing, C-Q relationships, nutrient uptake dynamics, sediment export Agricultural Conservation and Restoration Efforts Farming practices across the midwestern U.S. “Corn Belt” contribute to water quality degradation in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes, and climate change, including increases in the frequency and intensity of storms, will likely increase nutrient export from highly managed agroecosystems. Thus, research exploring the interactions between local environmental context and spatiotemporal variation is critical to improve understanding of how conservation and restoration activities can buffer the impacts of agriculture on freshwater. Therefore, my research seeks to identify controls on retention, transformation, and export of nutrients in agricultural streams using both monitoring and experimental approaches. Additionally, I aim to understand how these controls are impacted by management interventions, such as conservation or restoration, to support stream ecosystem function. Focus: watershed-scale conservation (e.g., cover crops & two-stage ditch), linkages between field and stream nutrient loss, denitrification, impacts of extreme events, high-frequency sensing If you're interested in my dissertation research at the University of Notre Dame (2016-2021), click here. |