Current Research

My research aims to understand and predict changes in aquatic ecosystem function worldwide. I work in a range of ecosystems from freshwater lakes to coastal wetlands, and I employ diverse methods including whole-ecosystem experiments, global data analysis, and ecological forecasting.

Below are several active research areas:

Ecological forecasting

Can we forecast ecology like we forecast the weather? Ecological forecasts are transformative for environmental management because they allow us to prepare for environmental threats before they happen. However, some ecological variables seem to be more predictable than others. I am working to understand where and when forecasts succeed vs. fail so we can make better predictions in the future.

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Aquatic carbon cycling

Water level management dramatically affected carbon cycling processes. Read more in JGR Biogeosciences

Aquatic ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon cycling processes that regulate Earth’s climate. However, anthropogenic changes can modulate the way these ecosystems process carbon, leading to positive or negative climate feedback effects. I use experiments and monitoring to analyze the effects of anthropogenic drivers on the biogeochemistry of carbon in aquatic environments.

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Large-scale limnology

Not all lakes respond to anthropogenic pressures in the same way. Large-scale data analyses are needed to predict changes in lake ecosystem function worldwide and prioritize management efforts. I work closely with members of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network to analyze patterns of ecosystem function in lakes worldwide and how these functions may change over time.

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Science Outreach and Teaching

I really enjoy science outreach and teaching, and I integrate Outreach and Teaching with research to increase the impact of my work.

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