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Dr Dominic Chaloner

Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Environmental Sciences Major and Professor of the Practice
Contact: dchalone@nd.edu 

Dom Web
  • B.S. (Hons.) Zoology 1991 University College (University of London), UK 
  • Ph.D. Zoology 1995 University College (University of London), UK

Dominic is Professor of the Practice who for more than 15 years has been most closely associated with studies of the influence of Pacific salmon on stream ecosystem both within (Southeast Alaska) and outside (Great Lakes) their native range. Those studies have sought to answer fundamental questions about how the environmental context, natural and human-modified, influence the effects that salmon have on stream ecosystems during their spawning migrations. Research to date has also tried to understand the potential role of salmon as vectors of contaminants (i.e., contaminant biotransport), including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs, and heavy metals, such as mercury. Dominic is interested in both ecosystem-level (e.g., nutrient cycling) and community-level (e.g., diversity) responses of freshwater ecosystems to perturbations associated with salmon spawners, and if and how this information can be incorporated into resource management plans. Dominic is especially interested in how combinations of approaches, such as basin-wide surveys, experiments, and modeling can be combined with multiple metrics, such as stable isotopes and contaminants, to understand how freshwater ecosystems are structured and function. Most recently, Dominic has become interested in science pedagogy in higher education, especially how positive character traits (or intellectual virtues) can be promoted with scientists-in-training, both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Click here; for a copy of Dominic's CV (PDF)

Grants

  • Co-PI Sir John Templeton Foundation planning grant, University of Notre Dame (2022-2025).
  • PI Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility Use Grant (2022).
  • PI Sir John Templeton Foundation planning grant, University of Notre Dame (2015-2017).
  • PI Great Lakes Fishery Trust Competitive grant, University of Notre Dame (2013 - 2015).
  • Co-PI Great Lakes Fishery Trust Competitive grant, University of Notre Dame (2007 - 2010).
  • Co-PI USDA-CSREES NRI Competitive grant, University of Notre Dame (2006 - 2008).
  • Co-PI NOAA Non-Competitive grant, University of Notre Dame (2006 - 2007).
  • USDA Forest Service Cooperative Research Agreement (PNW 96-3012-2-CA), Michigan State University (1997 - 1999).

Publications

Journal Articles (Selected of 51 Total)

Bcc Estuary

  • N.T. Hermann, D.T. Chaloner, B.S. Gerig, and G.A. Lamberti. 2020. Influence of the Pacific salmon spawning resources on the feeding ecology and growth of Great Lakes stream-resident trout. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 77:1758-1771.

  • Gerig, B.S., D.J. Janetski, D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2020 Contaminant biotransport by Pacific salmon in the Great Lakes. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 8:199.

  • Lapsley, D.K., and D.T. Chaloner. 2020. Post-Truth and Science Identity: A Virtue-Based Approach to Science Education. Educational Psychology 55:132-143.

  • D’Amore, D.V., D.T. Chaloner, B. Gerig, J. Berkowitz, and S.B. Bridgham. 2020. The nutrient legacy left by salmon tissue on riparian soils in Southeast Alaska. Soil Science Society of America Journal 84:877-887.

  • Currier, C.M., D.T. Chaloner, J. Rüegg, S.D. Tiegs, D.V. D’Amore, and G.A. Lamberti. 2020. Looking beyond macronutrient resource subsidies: the potential of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) as vectors of micronutrients. Aquatic Sciences 82:50.

  • Rüegg, J. , D.T. Chaloner, F. Ballantyne, P.S. Levi, C. Song, J.L. Tank, S.D. Tiegs, and G.A. Lamberti. 2020. Understanding the relative role of salmon spawner enrichment and disturbance: spatial and temporal biofilm dynamics during a spawning run in a Southeastern Alaska stream. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 8:19.

  • Gerig, B.S., D.T. Chaloner, S.A. Cullen, R. Greil, K. Kapucinski, A.H. Moerke, and G.A. Lamberti. 2019. Trophic ecology of salmonine predators in Northern Lake Huron with emphasis on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Journal of Great Lakes Research 45:160-166.

  • Gerig, B.S., N.T. Hermann, D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2019. Using dynamic bioenergetic-bioaccumulation models to understand mechanisms of uptake and bioaccumulation of salmon-derived contaminants by stream resident fish. Science of the Total Environment 652:633-642.

  • Vizza, C., J.L. Pechal, M.E. Benbow, J.M. Lang, D.T. Chaloner, S.E. Jones, and G.A. Lamberti. 2018. Nitrate alters biofilm communities in relatively unimpacted sub-arctic ponds. Freshwater Science 37:251-263.

  • Gerig, B.S., D.T. Chaloner, D.J. Janetski, A.H. Moerke, R.R. Rediske, J.P. O’Keefe, D.A. de Alwis Pitts, and G.A. Lamberti. 2018. Context-dependent controls on Pacific salmon-mediated contaminant biotransport to tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Journal of Applied Ecology 55:1846-1859.

  • Gerig, B.S., D.N. Weber, D.T. Chaloner, L. McGill, and G.A. Lamberti. 2018. Interactive effects of introduced Pacific salmon and brown trout on native brook trout: an experimental and modeling approach. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 75:538-548.

  • McGill, L., Gerig, B.S., D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2017. An ecosystem model for evaluating the effects of introduced Pacific salmon on contaminant burdens of stream-resident fish. Ecosystem Modelling 355:39-48.

  • Vizza, C., B.L. Sanderson, H.J. Coe, and D.T. Chaloner. 2017. Examining the effect of salmon-derived nutrients using condition metrics: are they ecologically meaningful for riparian organisms? Ecology and Evolution 7:1313-1324.

  • Gerig, B.S., D.T. Chaloner, D.J. Janetski, R.A. Rediske, J.P. O’Keefe, A.H. Moerke, and G.A. Lamberti. 2016. Pacific salmon are a source of persistent organic pollutants for stream-resident fish within Great Lakes tributaries. Environmental Science and Technology 50: 554-563.

  • Rüegg, J., C.M. Currier, D.T. Chaloner, S.D. Tiegs, and G.A. Lamberti. 2014. Habitat influences Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) tissue decomposition in riparian and stream ecosystems. Aquatic Sciences 76:623–632.

  • Janetski, D.J., D.T. Chaloner, A.H. Moerke, P. Levi, E.M. Kratschmer, and G.A. Lamberti. 2014. Novel environmental conditions alter subsidy and engineering effects by introduced Pacific salmon. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 71:502-513.

  • Shirey, P.D., B.N. Kunycky, D.T. Chaloner, M.A. Brueseke, and G.A. Lamberti. 2013. Commercial Internet trade of endangered plants cultivates opportunity for do-it-yourself assisted colonization. Conservation Letters 6:300-316.

  • Levi, P.S., J.L. Tank, S.D. Tiegs, D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2013. Biogeochemical transformation of a nutrient subsidy: salmon, streams, and nitrification. Biogeochemistry 113:643-655.

  • Reisinger, A.J., D.T. Chaloner, J. Rüegg, S.D. Tiegs, and G.A. Lamberti. 2013. Effects of Pacific salmon spawners on the isotopic composition of biota differ among Southeast Alaska streams. Freshwater Biology, in press.

  • Levi, P.S., J.L. Tank, S.D. Tiegs, D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2012. Reply to comment of Jackson and Martin - Does timber harvest influence the dynamics of marine-derived nutrients in Southeast Alaska streams? Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 69:1898-1901.

  • Janetski, D.J., D.T. Chaloner, A.H. Moerke, R.R. Rediske, J.P. O'Keefe and G.A. Lamberti. 2012. Resident fishes display elevated organic pollutants in salmon spawning streams of the Great Lakes. Environmental Science and Technology, 46:8035-8043.

  • Collins, S.F., A.H. Moerke, D.T. Chaloner, D.J. Janetski, and G.A. Lamberti. 2011. Response of dissolved nutrients and periphyton to the presence of spawning Pacific salmon in three Northern Michigan streams. Journal of North American Benthological Society 30:831-839.

  • Levi, P.S., J.L. Tank, S.D. Tiegs, D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2011. Does timber harvest influence the dynamics of marine-derived nutrients in Southeast Alaska streams? Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 68:1316-1329.

  • Rüegg, J., D.T. Chaloner, P. Levi, S.D. Tiegs, J.L. Tank, and G.A. Lamberti. 2011. Environmental variability and the ecological effects of spawning Pacific salmon on stream biofilm. Freshwater Biology, 57:129–142.

  • Chaloner, D.T., and R.S. Wotton. 2011. Overview: the links that bind aquatic ecosystems. Journal of North American Benthological Society 30:751-761.

  • Kulacki, K.J., D.T. Chaloner, D.M. Costello, K.M. Docherty, J.H. Larson, R.J. Bernot, M.A. Brueseke, M.A. Evans-White, C.F. Kulpa, and G.A. Lamberti. 2011. Proactive ecotoxicology for the evaluation of emerging aquatic contaminants. Organic Chemistry 15:1918-1927.

  • Lamberti, G.A., D.T. Chaloner, and A.E. Hershey. 2010. Linkages among aquatic ecosystems. Journal of North American Benthological Society 29:245-263.

  • Janetski, D.J., D.T. Chaloner, S.D. Tiegs, and G.A. Lamberti. 2009. Pacific salmon effects on stream ecosystems: a quantitative synthesis. Oecologia 159:583-595.

  • Cak, A.D., D.T. Chaloner, and G.A. Lamberti. 2008. Influence of spawning Pacific salmon on southeastern Alaskan estuaries. Aquatic Sciences 70:169-178.

  • Tiegs, S.D., D.T. Chaloner, P. Levi, J. Rüegg, and G.A. Lamberti. 2008. Timber harvest transforms ecological roles of salmon in southeast Alaska rain forest streams. Ecological Applications 18:4-11.

  • Chaloner, D.T., G.A. Lamberti, A.D. Cak, N.L. Blair, and R.T. Edwards. 2007. Inter-annual variation in the water chemistry and epilithon responses to Pacific salmon spawners in an Alaskan stream. Freshwater Biology 52:478-490.

  • Kulacki, K.J., D.T. Chaloner, D.M. Costello, K.M. Docherty, J.H. Larson, R.J. Bernot, M.A. Brueseke, C.F. Kulpa, and G.A. Lamberti. 2007. Aquatic Toxicity and Biodegradation of Ionic Liquids: A Synthesis. Chemistry Today 25:32-36.

  • Chaloner, D.T., G.A. Lamberti, R.W. Merritt, N.L. Mitchell, P.H. Ostrom, and M.S. Wipfli. 2004. Variation in responses to spawning Pacific salmon among three south-eastern Alaska streams. Freshwater Biology 49:587-599.

  • Chaloner, D.T., K.M. Martin, M.S. Wipfli, P.H. Ostrom, and G.A. Lamberti. 2002. Marine carbon and nitrogen isotopes in southeastern Alaska stream food webs: evidence from artificial and natural streams. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 59:1257-1265.

  • Chaloner, D.T., and M.S. Wipfli. 2002. Influence of decomposing Pacific salmon carcasses on macroinvertebrate growth and standing stock in southeastern Alaska streams. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 21:430-442.

  • Chaloner, D.T., M.S. Wipfli, and J.P. Caouette. 2002. Mass loss and macroinvertebrate colonization of Pacific salmon carcasses in southeastern Alaskan streams. Freshwater Biology 47:263-274.

  • Wotton, R.S., D.T. Chaloner, C.A. Yardley, and R.W. Merritt. 1997. Growth of Anopheles mosquito larvae on dietary microbiota in aquatic surface microlayers. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 11:65-70.

  • Chaloner, D.T., and R.S. Wotton. 1996. Tube building by larvae of three species of midge (Diptera: Chironomidae). Journal of the North American Benthological Society 15: 300-307.

  • Chaloner, D.T., and R.S. Wotton. 1996. Substratum preferences by larvae of three species of midge (Diptera: Chironomidae). Hydrobiologia 339:93-99.

Book Chapters

  • Chaloner, D.T., A.E. Hershey, and G.A. Lamberti. 2009. Benthic Invertebrate Fauna. Pages 157-172 in G.E. Likens (Eds.). Encyclopedia of Inland Waters (Vol. 2). Elsevier, New York.
  • Hershey, A.E., G.A. Lamberti, D.T. Chaloner, and R.M. Northington. 2009. Aquatic insect ecology. Pages 659-694 in J.H. Thorp and A. P. Covich (Eds.). Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates (Third Edition). Elsevier, New York.
  • Wotton, R.S., D.T. Chaloner, and P.D. Armitage. 1996. Midges in slow sand filters - their colonization, role in filtration and potential nuisance value. Pages 149-157 in N. Graham and R. Collins (Eds.). Advances in Slow Sand and Alternative Biological Filtration. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, UK.

Courses Taught

  • Earth in Crisis - Current Environmental Issues (BIOS 10107), Fall 2003, Spring 2004, 2013 and 2014, University of Notre Dame.
  • Molecules to Ecosystems (BIOS 10172), Spring 2019-present, University of Notre Dame.
  • Professional Development for the Environmental Sciences (BIOS 23101), Spring 2020-2022, University of Notre Dame.
  • General Ecology Lecture (BIOS 30312), Spring and Fall 2006, Spring and Fall 2011, University of Notre Dame.
  • General Ecology Laboratory (BIOS 31312), Fall 2006 - present, University of Notre Dame.
  • Biostatistics (BIOS 40411/42411) Spring 2008 - 2010 and Spring 2015, University of Notre Dame.
  • Current Topics in Environmental Sciences (BIOS 40491) Fall 2018-present, University of Notre Dame.

Committees

  • Faculty Senate, Research Faculty, University of Notre Dame
  • College Council, College of Science, University of Notre Dame
  • Core Curriculum Committee, Office of the Provost, University of Notre Dame
  • University Committee on Research, Library and Special Professional Faculty Appeals, Office of the Provost, University of Notre Dame
  • Undergraduate Research, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame.
  • Jordan Hall Galleria Displays, College of Science, University of Notre Dame.
  • Conservation and Environmental Issues, North American Benthological Society.
  • Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Group, University of Notre Dame.
  • College of Science Joint Annual Meeting Organizing Committee, College of Science, University of Notre Dame.
  • Bernoulli Prize for Undergraduate Statistical Research, Dept. of Economics, University of Notre Dame.
  • Undergraduate Research Travel Grant and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Review Panel, College of Science, University of Notre Dame.
  • University Council for Academic Technologies, Learning Environment subcommittee, University of Notre Dame.
  • University Council for Academic Technologies, Learning Environment subcommittee, University of Notre Dame.
  • University Landscaping Sustainability Committee, University of Notre Dame.