Research

Check out all of the amazing research that our team is doing across the region!

Plastic pollution is a growing concern. Microplastics have been found in the tissues if insects, fishes, wildlife, and humans. Our team has been studying the processes that move plastics from terrestrial to aquatic environments and what that means for aquatic organisms. Check out our project page to learn more!

Fish Conservation 

Fishes of the Rio Grande basin experience a litany of stressors. Drought, habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species have collectively altered fish communities from the headwaters to the mouth of the river. Check out our current projects within the Rio Grande basin.

Invasive Species

Humans have move species far beyond their native range. These translocations can have strong effects on native biodiversity. Our team studies the effects of invasive plants, invertebrates, and fishes in stream across Rio Grande and Lower Mississippi River basins. 

River Ecology

Mid-sized rivers are woefully understudied when compared to large rivers and small streams. Yet, these rivers can possess high biodiversity. Our team is researching how dams and their alterations to river flows alter fish communities. Using species traits, we hope to understand how regulated flows may impact the conservation of threatened and endangered species, as well as how to effectively manage invasive fishes.

Fisheries Ecology

Urban fisheries are  conveniently locations to take family and friends fishing. However, many are not actively managed. Or, they are managed with limited information. Our team studies the relationships between lake habitat, fishes, and anglers to better understand how to best manage these fisheries to the benefit of the communities that value these natural resources.