How did I become an aquatic biologist?
When I was an undergraduate I began working in the Large River Lab
at the University of Lousiville. Our research centered on (you guessed
it) working on large rivers such as the lower Ohio River and Tennessee,
Wabash, Kentucky, and Green Rivers. It was at that time that I became
very interested in not only the aquatic systems themselves, but the
organisms that resided within those systems. Invertebrates became my
organism of choice to work with, specifically zooplankton.
I graduated with my BA from U of L and stayed there to complete both
a Master's and Doctorate degree, all while focusing on invertebrates
in riverine systems.
Since coming to BSU, my research has subtly changed and now I am
working on benthic (bottom dwelling) invertebrates in streams as well
as zooplankton in the familiar lake-river continuum that we see in
Northern Minnesota. I currently work with several undergraduate and
graduate students who share my interests in aquatic systems and the
resident invertebrates.
I feel very, very lucky to have joined an amazing faculty in the Biology
Deparment. I also feel that the Aquatic Biology program is fortunate
to have, in addition to myself, the talents of Dr. Don Cloutman (fish
guy) and Dr. Richard Koch (wetland guy). If I have to say so myself
we make up quite a team.
I teach several courses at BSU and these include Introductory Biology
II, Limnology II, Freshwater Invertebrates, Entomology, Animal Behavior,
Marine Biology and Graduate Seminar. I fully believe that lecture and
lab can be a LOT of fun as well as educational. I love coming to work
and it is my hope that my students find as much joy in learning as
I do in teaching.
Biography
Education
Ph.D. Riverine Ecology - 2001. University of Louisville,
Louisville, KY Dissertation: Zooplankton community structure and function
in the Ohio River watershed.
Aquatic Ecology - 2001. University of Louisville, Louisville,
KY
Non-thesis Masters
B.A. Biology - 1996. University of Louisville, Louisville,
KY.
Member; Mortar Board Honor Society
Bemidji State University:
2001 to current – Associate Professor
Courses Taught:
Invited seminar course. The Science of Sex, Honors
1105: Lecturer. A freshman honors course introducing the concept
of sex from a biological and sociological perspective. Co-taught
with Dr. Karen Branden. Topics ranged from sexual reproductive
diversity in the animal kingdom to sexual identity and gender reassignment
in humans.
Animal Behavior, Biol 3150, Lecturer. An upper level course in
animal behavior. Topics include proximate and ultimate causations
for behavior, evolution, mating systems, learning, social groups,
etc.
Aquatic Systems, Biol 1150: Lecturer. A liberal education
course designed to introduce a diversity of aquatic systems (lakes,
streams, rivers). Both biotic and abiotic components as well
as traditional aquatic ecology are emphasized. This course is
only taught on-line.
Freshwater Invertebrates, Biol 4200: Lecturer and laboratory
instructor. An upper level course introducing the major freshwater
invertebrate groups. The course included taxonomic classification,
life history, behavior, and ecology. Emphasis was placed on groups
of organisms commonly found in northern Minnesota. Lab included
field sampling, specimen identification, and student invertebrate collections.
People and the Environment, Biol 2925: Lecturer. A team-taught
liberal arts course providing information on human’s effects
on the environment; causations and solutions. Topics covered
included population growth, water usage, biodiversity, fossil and alternative
fuel use, and climate change. Weekly small group meetings included
discussions, debates, and the publication of newsletters on environmental
issues.
Marine Biology, Biol 3930: Lecturer. A liberal arts course designed
to provide information regarding the abiotic, biotic and ecosystem
diversity of marine systems. Includes lectures on oceanography,
taxonomy, ecology and evolution.
Entomology, Biol 3310: Lecturer and laboratory instructor. A
course designed to present information on the life history, taxonomy,
classification, diversity, behavior and ecology of both terrestrial
and aquatic insects. A field collection and identification of
captured specimens is required.
Comparative Invertebrate Zoology, Biol 2310: Lecturer and
laboratory instructor. A course designed to present information
on the structure, function, behavior, ecology, taxonomy and classification
of terrestrial, aquatic and marine invertebrates. Lab includes
dissection, behavior and classification.
Introductory Biology II, Biol 1211: Lecturer and laboratory coordinator. Lecture
includes information on the major plant and animal phyla. Laboratories
include physiology, structure and function and classification of the
major plant and animal groups.
Graduate Seminar, Biol 6920: Lecturer. A graduate level course
providing information on the writing and presentation of scientific
data. This course was ‘tailored’ to the needs and
progress of individual graduate students. Students wrote research
proposals/papers and presented data in powerpoint and poster format. The
second semester of this course will include grant-writing and job seminar
presentations.
Advanced Projects in Biology I and II, Biol 4894: Advisor. An
upper level course designed to provide experience in experimental design,
field and lab techniques, data collection and analysis. Projects
are designed based on the research interests of the individual students.
On-line courses - All descriptions of these
courses can be found above.
Marine
Biology, Biol 3930
Animal
Behavior, Biol 3150
Aquatic
Systems, Biol 1150
Introductory
Biology II, Biol 1211 (currently being developed)
Indiana University Southeast, New Albany: 1999 to
2001 - Adjunct Professor
Courses Taught:
Zoology, Z103: Lecturer and laboratory coordinator. An introduction
to animal classification, diversity, anatomy, physiology, reproduction
and specimen dissection. Also included animal behavior, field
sampling, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, laboratory experimentation,
field sampling methods and data analysis.
Environmental Science, E162: Lecturer. An upper level science
course presenting the sources and solutions of environmental problems
such as population growth, habitat destruction, pollution, atmospheric
warming, and alternative fuel sources. Includes class discussions
and debates on current and local environmental issues.
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY:
1996 to 2001. - Teaching Assistant
Courses Taught:
Zoology, and Honors Zoology 241 : Laboratory instructor. An
introduction to animal classification, diversity, anatomy, physiology,
reproduction and specimen dissection. Honors: assisted in the
preparation and evaluation of Capstone Projects
Diversity of Organisms 241 and General Biology 104: Laboratory instructor. An
introduction to both botany and zoology with accompanying plant and
animal classification, diversity, anatomy, physiology, and dissections.
Tropical Marine Biology : Field and laboratory instructor. An
introduction to reef, pelagic, and intertidal systems in Roatan, Honduras. Primary
responsibilities included all in-country lectures, specimen collection
and identification, diving, laboratory preparation, and coordination
of international travel and lodging for 22 students.
Research
interests
Invertebrate Zoology
River Ecology
Marine Biology
Aquatic Ecology
Entomology
Stream ecology
Environmental Work Experience
Macroinvertebrate diversity in conjunction with debris dams in the
Porcupine Mnts of upper Michigan: (2002-2005). The
assessment of the importance of debris dams in high and low gradient
streams of old and secondary growth forests to macroinvertebrate
density, diversity, biomass and organic matter processing.
Large River Program, University of Louisville: 1995-2001. The
design and implementation of large scale mesocosm experimentation including
biotic and abiotic manipulations of riverine plankton communities focusing
on factors controlling planktonic growth, grazing and community development. In
situ experimentation of plankton, invertebrate, and zebra mussel
interactions in the Ohio River.
In conjunction with Murray State University, Murray, KY:
Monthly lake, river and watershed sampling including all major tributaries
of the Ohio River; the Green, Wabash, Kentucky, Cumberland and Tennessee
rivers. Sampling
protocol included chemistry monitoring, algal assays, zooplankton collection,
identification and stoichiometric analysis. Includes seasonal
riverine in
situ experimentation of bacterial and primary production.
Grad Students advised (BSU)
Tara Solem
Stream macroinvertebrates associated with woody debris in northern
hardwood forests: influence of geomorphology and forest age. B.S.
May, 2005.
Erich Westrich
Spatial and temporal differences in transport of macro and microzooplankton
in the Schoolcraft lake-river system. Anticipated graduation,
May 2007.
Kayla Thompson
Population dynamics of aquatic macrophytes in temporary forested ponds. Anticipated
graduation, May 2008.
Christel Rowe
Project currently under discussion.
Senior projects advised
- 2002 - David Orabutt (with Don Cloutman) – Eel pout population
size structure
- 2003 - Sarah Roley – Benthic invertebrates in the Mississippi
River
- 2003 - Erich Westrich – Zooplankton in the Mississippi
River
- 2003 - Kelli Knoll – Salmon populations in Oregon streams
- 2003 - Josh Kragthorpe – Spatial differences in insects
in Minnesota
- 2003 - Desiree’ Snyder – Paramecium competition
in various habitats
- 2004 - Katie Palmer – Aquatic insects in Michigan
- 2004 - Stephanie Williams – Aquatic insects in Michigan
- 2004 - Yolanda Williams – Dental disease in the Red
Lake Band of the Chippewa
- 2005 - Randy Lowe – Bioassessment of Mississippi River
invertebrates
- 2005 - Katrina Kehoe – Effect of bullet shape on impact angle
(done in conjunction with the BCA)
- 2005 - Jennifer Hofer – Bioassessment of streams in
Yellowstone National Park
- 2005 - Angela Decrans – Efficacy of shoreline restoration
to native invertebrates
- 2005 - Jessica Kingsley – Reproductive behavior in Betta
splendans (the common Betta)
- 2005 - Kayla Thompson – Monitoring mammalian predator
distribution in Minnesota
- 2005 - Kori Hutchinson – Population study of the Gypsy
Moth in Minnesota
- 2006 - Ryan Gustafson - The Habits and Behaviors of Waterfowl on
Lake Bemidji: Comparing Spring and Fall.
- 2006 - Corie Serleth - Importance of Freshwater Invertebrates as
Biological Indicators of Lake Health: A Comparison of Wetland
and Beach Habitats.
- 2006 - Ryan Anderson – A Comparison of Habitat
of the Rough-tailed Grouse.
Professional Associations
- American Entomological Society (ESA)
- American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
- Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS)
- Mississippi River Research Consortium (MRRC)
- North American Benthological Association (NABS)
University Service (BSU)
- Biology Graduate Student Coordinator
- Member of Graduate Faculty
- Biology Club advisor
- Recruitment Committee
- Biology Scholarship Committee
- Sattgast Pre-design Committee
- Professional Improvement Committee
- Professional Improvement representative on Outreach and Partnership
- Science Fair Committee
- Share the Future
Presentations
Publications
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