I am an ecosystem and community ecologist, specializing in aquatic ecosystems.  Research in my lab focuses on a variety of topics, but is largely centered on the role of organisms and communities in affecting ecosystem-level processes like nutrient cycling and organic matter flows.  In addition, I am interested in how biotic and abiotic factors affect the abundance, distribution, and diversity of organisms in ecosystems.  In order to address these research areas, we utilize a variety of methods and research approaches, including nutrient biogeochemistry, whole ecosystem metabolism and material flux studies, and the use of stable isotopes.

Research in my lab takes place in a variety of ecosystem types and at a diversity of scales.  We conduct research in wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. We also conduct research in small laboratory-based studies, field-based experimental systems, and at the whole-ecosystem scale.