Research
In collaboration with Dr. Larry Stevens at the Springs Stewardship Institute, we are assessing assemblages of epiphytic diatoms and soft-bodied algae, and thie invertebrate consumers occurring on submerged macrophytes that constitute the primary food-base for aquatic consumers in the tailwaters of the Colorado River ecosystem downstream from Glen Canyon Dam.
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
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.
Ecological effects of road salt on river communities in New York State
Excess salts in fresh waters resulting from winter road salt application affect functional and structural properties of biological assemblages in rivers. Our year-long study, in collaboration with Daemen University and SUNY Oneonta, is investigating effects of winter road salt use on benthic algal assemblages and invertebrate consumers in 30 rivers in three regions across NY state.
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 by colleagues discovered in Spain.
Dams 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.
