PROJECTS & RESEARCH
Ecosystem-scale impacts of beaver activity
Lead Researcher
Research focusing on the large-scale impacts to ecosystems when beaver ponds are formed. Special focus on bat, anuran, and avian species richness and habitat use, water quality impacts, and analysis of water temperature changes.
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Research sites cover 3 counties and 5 sub-watersheds.
Beaver Activity in Western Wisconsin Watersheds
Research Mentor
Working with undergraduate students on their Capstone course analyzing field data collection and internet research to investigate beaver activity on streams in western Wisconsin.
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This work will build on the beaver and control research sites I have collected for my thesis research and will further inform our project by characterizing the current beaver impoundments and historical beaver-created wetlands at these sites.
State Floodplain Policy, Media, and Technical Analysis
Graduate Intern, Wisconsin Wetlands Association
In depth analysis of policy, regulatory, and infrastructure plans for floodplain management and projects. Special focus was given to floodplain restoration projects, technical and online assistance, and state-generated community programs, training, and guidelines.
State-by-State Comparison of Floodplain and Riparian Policies
Graduate Intern, Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Targeted, detailed analysis of 12 state's policies, regulations, management plans, and implemented projects related to flood management/mitigation, riparian habitat conservation and development, as well as floodplain-specific policies, projects, and management practices.
Additional analysis of state assistance practices, educational material availability, and FEMA-related floodplain regulations
Herbarium Digitization Project
Graduate Assistant
I am working with the University's herbarium collection to digitize samples for online publication.
Additional roles include classroom work, laboratory assistance, and equipment management.
Coming Soon: Trout usage of beaver ponds
Lead Researcher
Our goal is to utilize novel technology like eDNA to better understand how and when trout utilize beaver ponds.
Looking specifically at utilization of beaver ponds as nursery habitat and/or thermal refugia during climate and weather extremes.
Coming Soon: Food Web and Biomass in Beaver Ponds
Lead Researcher
To better understand the links between increased bat and bird activity at beaver ponds, this study aims to quantify and classify the biomass and insect community differences, if any, between beaver ponds and free flowing streams.
