Current Graduate Students
Becca Czaja, PhD student (co-advised by Dr. Lauren Pintor) Hometown: Williston Park, NY |
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The Interactive Effects of Invertebrate Trait Variation and Environmental Characteristics: Implications for Food Webs Research: My research focuses on how environmental characteristics like food and habitat availability in streams affect macroinvertebrate traits at the species and community level. I am also examining the effects of this trait variation on macroinvertebrate food web structure and dynamics. |
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Kristen Diesburg, PhD Student Hometown: West Chester, Ohio |
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Effects of riparian disturbance on reciprocal aquatic-terrestrial energy flows Research: My research focuses on understanding how riparian disturbances associated with invasive plant (Amur Honeysuckle) and insect (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid) species affect reciprocal aquatic-terrestrial energy fluxes and food web structure in stream-riparian ecosystems. |
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Chase Novello (they/them), MS Student Hometown: Silver Spring, MD |
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How does artificial light at night alter fish vision? Research: Artificial light at night (ALAN) has become one of the most pervasive sources of pollution worldwide. A growing body of research indicates that ALAN poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, but research on the consequences of ALAN for aquatic ecosystems remains limited. My masters research investigates impacts of long-term exposure to ALAN on the visual performance of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), a common sunfish in freshwater systems of eastern North America and a visual predator. My findings will help target lighting thresholds necessary to minimize disturbance to aquatic ecosystems and contribute to informing roadway-lighting management schemes. |
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Nayeli Sanchez, MS Student |
The Influence of Multiple Stressors on Algal Communities and Microcystin Production
in Riverine Systems of the Upper Ohio River Basin
Research: Nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are serious threats to water quality
worldwide but have been studied less in lotic ecosystems. My research focuses on studying the
relationships between algal community composition, cyanotoxin release and the interaction of multiple
stressors such as nutrient concentrations, physical channel alterations, and temperature regimes in
various streams and reservoirs throughout the Ohio River watershed.