My research examines how aquatic ecosystems, ranging from freshwater to marine, respond to environmental change and disturbance, particularly at the aquatic-terrestrial interface. I combine in situ instrumentation, experimental mesocosms, and a diversity of modeling approaches to monitor spatial and temporal change in aquatic environments.
ONGOING Work
Modeling River ReCOVERY
In collaboration with researchers at the University of Montana and the USGS, I am modeling the recovery of stream productivity (i.e., algal biomass) following flood events in 180+ sites across the U.S. I am examining macroscale controls on recovery and estimating the flow thresholds at which disturbance occurs.
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Fire Impacts on Aridland Streams
As co-leader of an NCEAS working group, I am modeling the lagged effects of wildfire, precipitation, and their interaction on stream biogeochemistry in aridland ecosystems. The group is also developing a conceptual framework to guide research in aridland watersheds encountering greater fire frequency and intensity.
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Predicting NEarshore Greening
Following increased reports of algal growth along the shores of Lake Tahoe in late winter/early spring, I am modeling metabolism in the nearshore and incorporating water chemistry measurements to develop better predictions of nearshore algal growth in response to nitrogen availability.
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Completed PROJECTS
Responses to Extreme WEather
Following the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow, I examined the transport and relative degradation of terrestrial debris deposited on a local beach during emergency response efforts. Read more about our findings here.
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MacroAlgal Nutritional Content
In collaboration with the Santa Barbara Coastal LTER, I examined decadal changes in giant kelp tissue nutritional content in relationship to changing seawater temperatures and oceanographic indices. Read more about our findings here.
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Consumer-Derived Nutrients
I measured the excretion rates of beach consumers, i.e., talitrids (pictured above, credit: N. Schooler), and the impacts of this nutrient subsidy on the surrounding marine and terrestrial communities. Read more about our findings here.
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Terrestrial Organic Matter Exports
As part an NSF RAPID project, I investigated the sources and transport of terrestrial organic matter along a mountains-to-ocean transect following periods of drought and winter storm events. Read more about our findings here.
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SEDIMENTS AS A SOURCE OF NUTRIENTS
I used nearshore marine sediments to investigate their potential to contribute nitrogen (N) to the overlying water column, during stratified conditions when N is in high demand by nearby giant kelp forests. Read more about our findings here.
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Additional ProJects
Check back for additional project information to be posted soon!
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