People

I am currently (2020-2021) on deployment as a Program Director with the National Science Foundation, where I oversee grant programs in the Division of Environmental Biology. The Stream and Wetland Ecology Laboratory continues to conduct vital research on aquatic ecosystems of the Great Lakes region and also in Alaska.

I am interested in migratory fish and their ecological effect on streams and rivers, and also how to effectively teach and train science students.

I currently teach several required courses for Environmental Sciences majors while also being the academic advisor for the major. I'm also involved in promoting strategies for addressing science virtues in education and training, including through art-science collaborations.

Studying contaminants in Great Lakes food webs including PFAS and heavy metals

Studying the ecology of an introduced aquatic plant (Elodea canadensis) in Alaskan ponds

Quantifying trophic linkages between coastal wetlands and nearshore Lake Michigan

Studying the transport and fate of environmental DNA in flowing water

Alison Zachritz
Ph.D. Student

Studying the emerging contaminant PFAS (per- and poly fluoroalkyl
substances) in the Great Lakes food web.

Sarah Klepinger
Laboratory Manager

Supports undergraduate and graduate researchers by processing samples, performing chemical and data analyses, coordinating with research partners, training newcomers, performing day-to-day laboratory maintenance, and leading the summer survey crew. 

Yolonda Wiens
Administrative Assistant