Research Interests & Publications
University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program
Graduate Research Assistant (August 2011 – May 2013)
At University of Florida, my graduate research centered on the effects of dense Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla on dissolved oxygen dynamics in freshwater lakes. Hydrilla is difficult to control, and usually impossible to eradicate. As such, it is important to understand how this species functions as fish habitat in a maintenance control program. I conducted spatial and temporal dissolved oxygen (DO) sampling in dense beds of Hydrilla verticillata to evaluate how this species impacts DO concentrations over a micro- and macroscale. I confirmed the occurrence of complete hypoxia (DO <2.0 mgl-1) through the entire water column in dense hydrilla beds, however I also found evidence of microhabitats of elevated DO which fish may be able to utilize during times of poor water quality. Furthermore, complete hypoxia only lasted for a portion of a day (night/early morning hours) and for 1-2 months during the year. Based on primary literature, hydrilla does not impact DO concentrations more so than other submersed [native] species, and may even provide improved fish habitat quality as compared with some floating leaved species which can experience extended periods of hypoxia and contain lower structural complexity.
To read my thesis or a manuscript [in prep] article published in the American Fisheries Society Florida Chapter newsletter, click the buttons below!
Graduate Research Assistant (August 2011 – May 2013)
At University of Florida, my graduate research centered on the effects of dense Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla on dissolved oxygen dynamics in freshwater lakes. Hydrilla is difficult to control, and usually impossible to eradicate. As such, it is important to understand how this species functions as fish habitat in a maintenance control program. I conducted spatial and temporal dissolved oxygen (DO) sampling in dense beds of Hydrilla verticillata to evaluate how this species impacts DO concentrations over a micro- and macroscale. I confirmed the occurrence of complete hypoxia (DO <2.0 mgl-1) through the entire water column in dense hydrilla beds, however I also found evidence of microhabitats of elevated DO which fish may be able to utilize during times of poor water quality. Furthermore, complete hypoxia only lasted for a portion of a day (night/early morning hours) and for 1-2 months during the year. Based on primary literature, hydrilla does not impact DO concentrations more so than other submersed [native] species, and may even provide improved fish habitat quality as compared with some floating leaved species which can experience extended periods of hypoxia and contain lower structural complexity.
To read my thesis or a manuscript [in prep] article published in the American Fisheries Society Florida Chapter newsletter, click the buttons below!
University of Florida/State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
Independent Researcher (August 2012 – present)
Advancing technology, especially GPS and smartphones, are making research possible not only by scientists but by the general public, as well. Dr. Danielle Garneau, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at SUNY Plattsburgh, created three forms for the app, Epicollect. These forms (WildlifeBlitzGarneau, RoadkillGarneau, and TrackingWildlifeGarneau) can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone (for free). This expands the possible number of data collectors by included citizen scientists, a great resource for wide-range data collection. “Hot spot” areas of roadkill can be indicative of a species’ movement patterns and provide information to the Department of Transportation for where fencing or signage may be beneficial. This is especially important for animals of concern, such as threatened or endangered species. To get the word out on this project out to citizen scientists, I wrote an article and published in the graduate student newsletter, The Grad Cannon. To see this article or to get involved in this project, click the links below! Visit Dr. Garneau’s website for instructions on installation and for links to the Epicollect website in order to see your data plotted on a map!
Independent Researcher (August 2012 – present)
Advancing technology, especially GPS and smartphones, are making research possible not only by scientists but by the general public, as well. Dr. Danielle Garneau, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at SUNY Plattsburgh, created three forms for the app, Epicollect. These forms (WildlifeBlitzGarneau, RoadkillGarneau, and TrackingWildlifeGarneau) can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone (for free). This expands the possible number of data collectors by included citizen scientists, a great resource for wide-range data collection. “Hot spot” areas of roadkill can be indicative of a species’ movement patterns and provide information to the Department of Transportation for where fencing or signage may be beneficial. This is especially important for animals of concern, such as threatened or endangered species. To get the word out on this project out to citizen scientists, I wrote an article and published in the graduate student newsletter, The Grad Cannon. To see this article or to get involved in this project, click the links below! Visit Dr. Garneau’s website for instructions on installation and for links to the Epicollect website in order to see your data plotted on a map!
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Ecological Technician (September 2009 – August 2010)
While I enjoyed the hard work of active ecological restoration, I wanted to do more to contribute to the success of repairing damaged ecosystems and the recovery of endangered species at the Refuge. I thus took on a project researching primary literature about crayfish eradication techniques. The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are very persistent and prolific invasive species introduced to nearly every spring at Ash Meadows, and are nearly impossible to eradicate. Bradford 1 Spring contains one of only [now] three populations of the endangered Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis), and thus it is imperative that invasive species in this spring are controlled or eradicated. Based on primary literature and previous holding techniques of pupfish on the Refuge, I came up with a proposal detailing costs, methods, and a timeline of the eradication project at Bradford 1 Spring. The proposal is currently under consideration by the Ash Meadows Recovery Implementation Team. You can read it below!
Ecological Technician (September 2009 – August 2010)
While I enjoyed the hard work of active ecological restoration, I wanted to do more to contribute to the success of repairing damaged ecosystems and the recovery of endangered species at the Refuge. I thus took on a project researching primary literature about crayfish eradication techniques. The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are very persistent and prolific invasive species introduced to nearly every spring at Ash Meadows, and are nearly impossible to eradicate. Bradford 1 Spring contains one of only [now] three populations of the endangered Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis), and thus it is imperative that invasive species in this spring are controlled or eradicated. Based on primary literature and previous holding techniques of pupfish on the Refuge, I came up with a proposal detailing costs, methods, and a timeline of the eradication project at Bradford 1 Spring. The proposal is currently under consideration by the Ash Meadows Recovery Implementation Team. You can read it below!
State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
Undergraduate Researcher (August 2008 – May 2009)
During my senior year at SUNY Plattsburgh, I conducted an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Danielle Garneau, Professor of Wildlife Ecology, studying small mammal assemblages in a Jack pine barren and a Northern hardwood forest stand. Both habitat types were dominated by generalists, Blarina brevicauda and Peromyscus spp. There were 32% more captures in the hardwood stand, and contained higher diversity probably associated with structure, food resources, and water content. This study established habitat preferences of small mammals in three diverse sites and provides baseline information for further study of small mammal populations in a flat rock pine barren. To see my preliminary study results, click the button button below.
Undergraduate Researcher (August 2008 – May 2009)
During my senior year at SUNY Plattsburgh, I conducted an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Danielle Garneau, Professor of Wildlife Ecology, studying small mammal assemblages in a Jack pine barren and a Northern hardwood forest stand. Both habitat types were dominated by generalists, Blarina brevicauda and Peromyscus spp. There were 32% more captures in the hardwood stand, and contained higher diversity probably associated with structure, food resources, and water content. This study established habitat preferences of small mammals in three diverse sites and provides baseline information for further study of small mammal populations in a flat rock pine barren. To see my preliminary study results, click the button button below.
Lake Champlain Research Institute
Intern (May 2007 – August 2007)
The natural connectivity of streams and rivers is a vital to the genetic conservation of trout species. My intern position with LCRI involved taken metrics on bridges and culverts to evaluate fish passage. We assessed 47 stream crossings in nine sub-watersheds throughout Clinton and Essex counties. We defined stream crossings by several criteria to assign priority levels to barriers, and I delineated watersheds using topographic maps and applied results to Geographic Information Systems. Approximately 27% of structures were classified as medium or high priority sites causing significant impediment to fish passage. Results of priority areas were presented to highway board supervisors. If you want to see our methods (to begin a fish passage project in your area) or results, click the button below!
Intern (May 2007 – August 2007)
The natural connectivity of streams and rivers is a vital to the genetic conservation of trout species. My intern position with LCRI involved taken metrics on bridges and culverts to evaluate fish passage. We assessed 47 stream crossings in nine sub-watersheds throughout Clinton and Essex counties. We defined stream crossings by several criteria to assign priority levels to barriers, and I delineated watersheds using topographic maps and applied results to Geographic Information Systems. Approximately 27% of structures were classified as medium or high priority sites causing significant impediment to fish passage. Results of priority areas were presented to highway board supervisors. If you want to see our methods (to begin a fish passage project in your area) or results, click the button below!