Research

A data-driven approach to evaluate and inform the effectiveness of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs)

AbstractAgricultural runoff continues to be a leading cause of water quality degradation in the Susquehanna River Basin, the largest contributor of nutrients and sediment to the Chesapeake Bay. Despite widespread promotion of Best Management Practices (BMPs), decision-makers lack field-based data to evaluate their real-world effectiveness. This project addresses that critical gap by conducting a field-and […]

Improving coastal ecosystem resiliency and wetland restoration by leveraging heritable trait variation in populations

AbstractEnvironmental factors are rapidly changing ecosystems across successive levels of biological organization: from genes to ecosystem functioning. Evidence from research I have conducted has shown that environmental factors are strong selective agents capable of alteringintraspecific genetic variation (the number of genotypes at a location), genetic identity (which genotypes are present at a location), and functional […]

From streams to seas: Using community-based science to track the source and fate of marine debris from a mixed-use watershed

AbstractMarine debris (MD) has profound negative impacts on vital coastal ecosystems, including the Delaware River. Yet, few studies have investigated MD delivery to rivers, despite their substantial role in transporting MD to the ocean. Watersheds provide an opportunity to examine causal factors that deliver MD to the coast and allow local stakeholders to understand the […]

Identifying the parasite communities of common Lake Erie invasive, aquaculture, and game species

Abstract:Parasites are ubiquitous. Yet, aside from a few heavily studied systems, parasite speciescomposition, relative abundance, and ecological impacts are poorly understood. The mysteries of parasites are further clouded by aquatic invasive species (AIS). In many ecosystems, including the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, it is unclear if—and how much—AIS impact native host parasite dynamics or […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl occurrence and concentrations in lentic invasive snakehead populations: identifying gene expression signatures of toxicity with implications for human consumption advisories

Abstract: Contaminants of emerging concern and aquatic invasive species are of global interest for the health of aquatic ecosystems and humans. In Pennsylvania, like other parts of the world, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have seen increased scrutiny over the last few years due to their potential adverse ecological and human health effects. At the […]

Using sorbent media to address the impact of deicing salt on contaminant dynamics in infiltration-based green stormwater management: nutrients, metals, and trace organics

Abstract: Degraded water quality can negatively impact the key waterways of Pennsylvania. For example, excess nutrients can result in development of a Total Maximum Daily Load, metal concentrations can exceed aquatic life criteria particularly in saltwater ecosystems, and trace organic contaminants including poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are under increased scrutiny due to persistence, toxicity, […]

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Barriers and Drivers of GSI Adoption Centered on Ordinances in Small and Small to Medium-sized Municipalities in Pennsylvania

Abstract: While considerable scholarship demonstrates the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) primarily to reduce runoff volume and pollution associated with that runoff, municipalities have not universally embraced widespread GSI implementation. Among the numerous sociotechnical, regulatory, financial, and institutional barriers, conflicting or adversarial local mandates and codes, stand out as critical regulatory and policy barriers […]

Research, Develop and Evaluate New Ocean, Great Lakes, and Watershed Curricula for the New PA Standards

Abstract: Pennsylvania (PA) science education researchers and practitioners will collaborate to research, develop, and evaluate new ocean, Great Lakes, and watershed curricula in this proposed environmental literacy and workforce development research project. The outputs of this project will serve as curricula development guides and examples, following research-based best practices in curricula development, teaching, and learning, […]

Understanding the Food Web Impacts of the Invasive Northern Snakehead on Pennsylvania’s Largest Tidal Freshwater Wetland

Abstract: Northern Snakehead (Channa argus; NSH) are voracious predators capable of disrupting ecosystems and threatening desirable species through direct predation and food web impacts. NSH were first introduced to Pennsylvania and the Delaware River watershed in 2004. They have rapidly expanded their range and now occur in all freshwater tidal portions of the Delaware River […]

Groundwater and Nutrient Inputs, Sequestration and Direct and Indirect Fluxes to Lake Erie Coastal Waters associated with Viticultural Activities, Erie County, PA

Abstract: Along the Lake Erie coast, thousands of acres of fruit farms are cultivated over thick sand and gravel soils in catchments adjacent to coastal bluffs. These agricultural practices may be a significant source of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) entering Lake Erie via groundwater as these catchments have minimal surface runoff (runoff <25% of recharge). […]

Research

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