My interests focus on the ecology of aquatic ecosystems, particularly lakes and streams. I am most interested in knowing what factors affect the distribution and dispersal abilities of invasive species. Past work has been on the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in inland systems (non-Great Lakes) and a few invasive harpacticoids in the Great Lakes.

Natural dispersal of zebra mussels from lakes to streams continues to be a research interest.  In the Upper Susquehanna River watershed, zebra mussels have been found in Eaton Brook Reservoir (2001), Canadarago Lake (2003), Otsego Lake (2007) and now throughout the Susquehanna River mainstem.  The mainstem was most likely colonized from the source population in Canadarago Lake through its outflowing Oaks Creek. Previous research detected literally billions of veligers per day flowing through this stream during peak veliger production. The population in Otsego Lake is being monitored yearly for both veliger abundances and distributions as well as adult mussels.

I also am interested in the ecology and autecology of meiofauna (invertebrates between 45-500 µm) and lately have been focusing on the nearshore zone of Otsego Lake.  Sampling designed to determine spatial and temporal distributions of these invertebrates is underway.  Of particular interest is the autecology of what I believe to be 2 species of harpacticoids, Canthocamptus staphylinoides Pearse 1905 and C. nordenskioldii Lilljeborg, 1902.

I am beginning collaborative research with Dr. Fred Zalatan on the presence of viral particles associated with water column bacteria in lakes. We are currently developing methods that will allow quantification of both viral particles and bacteria using fluorescent microscopy techniques.