Research
In collaboration with Dr. Larry Stevens at the Springs Stewardship Institute, we are assessing the assemblage of epiphytic diatoms and other algae occurring on submerged macrophytes that constituted the primary foodbase for aquatic consumers in the tailwaters of the Colorado River ecosystem downstream from Glen Canyon Dam.
Ecological effects of road salt on rivers
Excess salt in freshwater ecosystems form winter road salt application can negatively affect critical organisms in rivers. Ou study in collbration with Daemen University and SUNY Oneonrta, is investigating the effects of winter road salt throughout the year on stream algae and invertebrate consumers in four regions across the state .
Nutritional ecology and ecological stoichiometry of algae in stream food webs
Growth and production of invertebrate consumers
in streams can be limited by both the quantity
and quality of food they encounter. We employ fatty acid and elemental stoichiometry to asses the relative importance of algae, detritus and other basal food sources for stream ecosystem function.
Field and experimental studies on harmful cyanobacteria blooms
We are examining the causes and consequences of cyanobacteria blooms using field studies, microcosm experiments and laboratory bioassays. We are addressing the effects of N and P concentrations, N:P ratios, and different forms of nitrogen on cyanobacteria dominance in urban and suburban lakes in the NYC region
Ecology and biogeography of freshwater Phaeophyceae
We are conducting studies on freshwater members of the Phaeophyceae, a mostly marine class of algae. Freshwater phaeophytes form conspicuous crusts or cushions in many streams, as well as in the littoral zone of lakes, but their biology is fairly obscure to most phycologists and ecologists. A new genus and species was recently discovered in Spain.
Dam and the spread of the invasive diatom Didymosphenia genminata
Didymosphenia geminata is an diatom that forms benthic algal blooms in low-nutrient streams and produces extensive extracellular polysaccharide stalks that cover streambeds. We are investing whether dams or impoundments favor its growth in streams and rivers.
