Faculty/Staff Directory

Degrees

Ph.D. University of Georgia (Entomology)
M.S. State University of New York at Fredonia (Biology)
B.S. St. Lawrence University (Biology/Environmental Studies)

Biography

My academic area of interest is aquatic ecology, particularly the ecology of freshwater invertebrates. Past research has included the effect of aquatic weed management practices on macroinvertebrates in a NY lake, an investigation of macrofaunal community structure and production in disturbed and undisturbed streams in North Carolina, and a survey of macroinvertebrates at various sites along the length of the Conasauga River in NW Georgia. Recent and current research activities involve working with DSC students and colleagues in assessments of the community structure of a restored wetland and lake at Dalton’s Lakeshore Park. So far, assessments of macroinvertebrates, birds, wetland plants, turtles, and fish have been conducted. During 2019, some of my students worked in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and the Limestone Valley RC&D on fish passage assessments in the Holly Creek watershed in Murray County.  In 2020, two of my students were involved in monitoring water quality on the Conasauga River and tributaries through internships funded by Limestone Valley RC&D.

My colleague, Chris Manis, and I have established a Turtle Assurance Colony (TAC) at Dalton State with the goal of safeguarding and breeding endangered Asian, African, and North American turtles. DSC students assist with the operation of the TAC.

I’ve also been involved with is the development and maintenance of hiking trails on the mountainside behind the DSC campus.  A new trail is under construction which will extend to the top of Rocky Face ridge.  Volunteers are most welcome to join us in this effort!

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