WELCOME !
My research focuses on the interaction between humans and water resources; I am interested in the discharge, fate and treatment of contaminates released to the environment, and the impact of water quality stressor on both human and biological systems. I have a strong interest in sustainable resource management, and working with water resource managers to develop adaptive management strategies for aquatic systems. Current research is primarily focused on applying emerging methods in genomics to assess biotic communities with a focus on early detection of invasive species, biodiversity and ecosystem indicators. Past research areas include the release of PAHs from sealcoated surfaces, transport and removal of contaminants in stormwater, climate change mitigation, and watershed modeling.
Current projects:
Developing DNA Methods to Monitor Invasive Species and Biodiversity in Estuaries (NERRS Science Collaborative/NOAA) This project is implementing a pilot eDNA program at several National Estuarine Research Reserve sites. Scientists and staff from Great Bay, South Slough, and Wells Reserves work with researchers at the University of New Hampshire and a technical advisory team to develop eDNA sample collection and analysis protocols. The project engages local natural resource managers, stakeholders, and end users to identify a list of estuarine species to target using eDNA methods, and eDNA sampling is conducted in coordination with existing traditional monitoring programs to allow direct comparison and verification between methods.
eDNA to Detect Invasive Species in New England lakes and Streams
Our research group is working on developing and piloting methods for early detection of invasive invertebrates (asian clam and dreissenid mussels), plants, and fish in freshwater systems. The projects are conducted in partnership with State agencies, and are focused on providing reliable data for decision making in invasive species management. Invasive Species in New England Lakes - Final Report
Attached Algae (periphyton) as an Ecosystem Indicator in Estuarine Systems (funded by NHDES). Pilot project comparing periphyton assemblages at a range of river and estuarine locations to determine if specific species and/or assemblages are reliable indicators of water quality conditions including nutrients, temperature, and salinity.