Research

Our group investigates interactions between hydrology and ecology within wetlands, river networks and watersheds. Hydrology, ecology and water chemistry are inextricably coupled within lakes, streams and rivers such that each is effected by and affects the others. We use field and lab experiments, mathematical modeling, and data analysis to help learn more about these interactions. We are motivated to understand how best to protect water bodies under changing environmental influences, as well as how surface water processes could be leveraged to remediate or stabilize polluted systems. Most projects we undertake address at least one of these questions:

  • How does the structure of a watershed influence its ability to process contaminants?

  •  How do physical obstacles to flow such as aquatic vegetation, change microscale contaminant removal processes important to water quality?

  • Can we enhance freshwater biological process rates in order to improve water quality?

Our group is currently working on the following projects:

  • Integrated watershed modeling to predict aquatic biota responses to agricultural management.

  • Variability in nitrate removal rates within wetlands over space and time.

  • Improving treatment wetland effectiveness through optimal placement, size and design.

  • Biogeochemical responses to enhanced mixing near aquatic vegetation.

  • Hydraulic modeling of flood inundation to predict floodplain wetland transitions in type.

  • Using high frequency sensor data to understand watershed processes.

  • Quantifying near-channel contributions to water quality via fieldwork and watershed model improvements.

  • ANRI NIFA project