Aquatic Ecology Lab

Research in our lab focuses on several key areas:

1. The ecology of isolated ponds and wetlands in extreme environments (i.e. desert, arctic). We are looking ecosystem structure and function in playa wetlands of Texas, Chihuahuan desert springs, and tundra ponds of Alaska, and how these vary due to global change, anthropogenic alteration and isolation.
2. Understanding the causes and ecological consequences of aquatic ecosystem degradation. We use a combination of structural and functional indicators to track aquatic ecosystem degradation and restoration. Locally, we are doing research on the development of functional indicators to track restoration efforts at the Rio Bosque wetland, and monitoring nutrient inputs and wetland extent along the Rio Grande.
3. Understanding and managing ecological disruptions caused by exotic and/or invasive species. Current invaders of interest include salt cedar and tumbleweed in riparian and protected areas of the Chihuahuan desert.
4. Hands-on and field-based research opportunities as transformative educational experiences.

Current Funding:

• Re-sampling historic sites to track global change in Arctic aquatic ecosystems (National Science Foundation - NSF)
• Undergraduate Research Mentoring (URM) Program (NSF)
• Science for a Sustainable Future GK12 program (NSF)

Past Funding:

• IPY-ROAM: International Polar Year - Research Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities (NSF)
• Bi-national Wetland Project (WWF)
• Rio Bosque water budget (EPA-SCERP)
• Fort Bliss Wetland GIS Database (Miratek - Fort Bliss)
• Tumbleweed Management Strategies (National Park Service CESU)