Ongoing Research
Nutritional Context of Aquatic Host-Parasite Interactions
Primary consumers are frequently (heavily) infected, and they occupy a central role in nutrient cycling. A growing body of literature indicates that parasites may rival their hosts in their ability to regulate ecosystem processes. I use snail-trematode and Daphnia-microbe model systems to examine feedbacks between nutrient availability and parasite success. Interestingly, the relationship between nutrients and disease may be regulated by the life histories of both the parasite and host.
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Floodplain Nutrient Management
We depend on the infrastructure that surrounds large rivers for resource extraction (including agriculture), flood prevention, and the disposal of wastes, but these structures can affect floodplain nutrient retention. I worked with the City of Yakima, WA and EPA researchers from multiple devisions to assess the benefits and consequences of indirectly discharging treated effluent over a restored floodplain. I'm continuing to explore the ways that we can manage infrastructure along large rivers to mitigate nutrient pollution.
