At the University of Wyoming, I work in the Collins Lab as a PhD student in the Ecological Stoichiometry Cooperative. 

I am part of the NSF EPSCoR Track II project to create a database of stoichiometric traits of organisms in their chemical habitats (STOICH) and to conduct related research. This database will be the first of its kind and will enable current and future freshwater scientists to expand the field of ecological stoichiometry and to build upon our understanding of patterns that result from mismatches between available elements and requirements by communities of organisms. Learn more about the Ecological Stoichiometry Cooperative.
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My Master's research thesis was titled: Annual patterns, drivers, and balance of chloride in the Upper Yahara River Watershed. In the Dugan Lab, I studied how chloride is changing freshwater and the impacts of these changes. Check out a day in the life of a scientist studying chloride on the Salt Wise Chloride Monitoring webpage!

​The goal of my salt research was to track the movement of chloride in the Upper Yahara Watershed and its potential to impact aquatic ecology. This study may also serve to inform management of water quality in the Yahara River Watershed. The Upper Yahara River Watershed is home to Lakes Mendota and Monona. Chloride concentrations have been steadily increasing in these lakes since the 1940s and in recent years, streams in the watershed have been added to the state’s impaired waters list for chloride. With continued urbanization, chloride contamination could quickly become a problem for Dane County’s freshwater ecosystem functions and services. Through my findings, I aimed to improve our understanding of the sources, pathways, and long-term trajectory of chloride in the Yahara River Watershed. 

If you are interested in ways to prevent your salt use from impacting our beautiful lakes and rivers, visit WI Salt Wise for information.