I work in the lab of Dr. Rebecca Klaper. Our research focuses on the physiological and molecular effects of environmental contaminants in various trophic levels of lake and stream food webs. Some of our current models include lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), northern pike (Esox lucieus), and zooplankton (Daphnia spp.). The overall goal of this work is the development of molecular markers for ecological risk assessment. Recent areas of interest are:

Additional Interests

In my spare time, I am strong supporter of outdoor educational programming. Specifically, I’m interested in development of volunteer-based or mentor-based outdoor educational programs for youth. While at Michigan State University, I was a volunteer educator for programs such as Project F.I.S.H. (Friends Involved in Sportfishing Heritage), the Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp, Outdoor Expo, and various other environmental education activities. I am a certified instructor in Aquatic Ecology through the National 4H Sportfishing Curriculum and a certified Project F.I.S.H. instructor in Michigan. Some subject areas I teach are fly-fishing, fly-tying, aquatic entomology, and many other topics dealing with natural resources stewardship.