Research
My research focuses on understanding how organisms respond to dynamic habitat conditions. I am particularly fascinated by mechanisms such as life-history flexibility, resilience to disturbance, and dispersal across different habitats that allow invertebrates to exploit unpredictable freshwater habitats. How invertebrate populations and communities are impacted and respond to habitat disturbance is critical to understand for ecosystem function and management under global changes.
I have successfully developed and funded international research projects in wetland, river, and terrestrial ecosystems to test the mechanisms that influence invertebrate population ecology and evolution across environmental gradients. These research projects have involved a combination of multi-year field surveys, controlled laboratory and field experiments, and analytical laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular and stable isotope analyses).
By combining field and laboratory methods my research tests ecological and evolutionary principles at the different spatial and temporal scales that can be important to the sustainable management of freshwater resources. In addition to my own studies, I have have been actively involved in a wide variety of academic research groups and governmental institutions. I have done participated in research on forest wood decomposition, novel dragonfly viruses, agricultural pest control, avian seed dispersal, and insect taxonomy.
Outside of academia I have also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Peace Corps, a mosquito control agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture/APHIS. From these experiences I have developed valuable research methods and learned the value of cross-cultural collaborations between and within institutions.
Centre College research with students
At Centre College I mentor a variety of different undergraduate projects to better understand local ecosystems, but also how they connect globally to explore larger patterns. For our research we utilize streams and forests around Central Kentucky to conduct field surveys and experiments and controlled laboratory experiments on campus.
FRESHWATER COMMUNITY CHANGES ALONG INTERMITTENT STREAM SECTIONS
Central Kentucky's karst geology can influence the presence of water between streams or even vary along a stream's length. While these streams may have perennial water flow in some upstream and downstream sections, particular lengths can dry at the surface as the water continues to flow underground. This shift from perennial to intermittent flow could influence the aquatic invertebrate communities that we find in each portion of the stream.
During the summer of 2016 I worked with two students, Cara Barnett ('18) and Maggie Finn ('18), to survey three Central Kentucky streams to evaluate potential differences in the aquatic invertebrate communities between perennial and intermittent sections of each stream. In addition, we sampled remnant pools of different sizes in the intermittent sections to determine whether pool size influences the diversity of aquatic invertebrates by acting as a refuge for stream invertebrates or potentially a temporary habitat for more lentic invertebrates.
Finn, M.E., C.L. Barnett, M.L. Galatowitsch. Drying gradient influence on freshwater invertebrate diversity along a central Kentucky intermittent stream. Society for Freshwater Science. June 2017. Raleigh, North Carolina (poster)
Barnett, C.L., M.E. Finn, M.L. Galatowitsch. Freshwater invertebrate diversity in a central Kentucky intermittent stream. Kentucky Academy of Sciences. November 2016. Louisville, Kentucky (poster)
WATERPENNY RESILIENCE TO DRYING STRESS
Immature stream invertebrates can be particularly vulnerable to drying stress and when a stream stops flowing and dries. Yet, some aquatic invertebrates have behavioral and physiological strategies to resist desiccation. From our 2016 field survey we found waterpenny larvae (Psephenus herrickii) present in perennial stream sections and remnant pools of intermittent sections. Using this species as a model organism I have worked with several students, Hannah Hamlin ('19), Tim Grabenstein ('18), and Brandon Schweder ('19), to test the responses of P. herrickii larvae to drying stress. Using artificial streams in the Aquatics Lab at Centre College we have manipulated the different types of substrate, duration, and frequency of drying to assess how resilient these beetle larvae are to drying.
As a side project Maggie Finn ('19) and Cara Barnett ('19) tested the feasibility of using fluorescent elastomer tags on P. herrickii and Heptageniidae mayfly larvae as a potential tool to mark individual aquatic invertebrates for mark-recapture studies in the wild.
Finn, M.E., C.L. Barnett, M.L. Galatowitsch. Feasibility of using fluorescent elastomer tags to mark aquatic macroinvertebrates. Kentucky Academy of Sciences. November 2016. Louisville, Kentucky (poster)
ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC INFLUENCES ON LOCAL AND GLOBAL WOOD DECOMPOSITION RATES
The rate at which wood decomposes can depend on a wide variety of abiotic environmental factors (e.g. moisture, temperature) and the activity of different organisms (microbes, fungi, and invertebrates) that break down wood. These abiotic and biotic influences could vary at different spatial scales and influence how quickly wood decays and carbon cycles. I have worked with a series of students, Katherine Hagan ('17), Magill Gaines ('19), and Luke Martin ('21) to set up, monitor, and analyze the decomposition of wood with and without invertebrate access to the wood along an elevation gradient in the knobs of the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge. This is multi-year field experiment is not only evaluating the role of local environmental and biological influences on wood decomposition, but it is small part of a larger collaboration organized by Amy Zanne at George Washington University to compare wood decomposition rates around the world at different latitudes and biomes. This global project includes over 30 collaborators across 17 countries following the same experiment protocol at each location.
In addition to the previously mentioned students others have also assisted with the field monitoring including: Daniel Hayes ('17), Claire Waldman ('18), Tim Grabenstein ('18), Hannah Hamlin ('19), Brandon Schweder ('19), Conor Frankland ('19), and Ben Hammond ('21).
Formative research
LIFE-HISTORY FLEXIBILITIES AND DISPERSAL ACROSS A PREDATOR-PERMANENCE GRADIENT
Ph.D. Ecology, 2014
Freshwater Ecology Research Group - School of Biological Sciences
University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand
I studied how life-history flexibility interacts with dispersal to sustain larger meta-populations. To tackle this I used multiple New Zealand generalist freshwater invertebrates (Xanthocnemis zealandica damselflies and Sigara arguta waterboatmen) that exploit a range of wetlands across a habitat permanence and predator gradient. My research revealed that alternative generalist life-history strategies allow particular species to exploit more temporary habitats, while other strategies are better adapted to interact with multiple predators. Generalist life-histories allow them to complete larval development across the habitat gradient, while adult dispersal between habitat types is crucial to maintain populations in unpredictable temporary habitats. While flexible life-history strategies and dispersal sustain meta-populations with unpredictable habitats, these same dynamics could limit speciation and may explain why temporary New Zealand wetlands are dominated by a low diversity of generalist species.
For more details:
Galatowitsch, M.L. and A.R. McIntosh. 2016. Developmental constraints control generalist invertebrate distributions across a gradient of unpredictable disturbance. Freshwater Science 35: 1300-1311. Abstract
Galatowitsch, M.L. and A.R. McIntosh. 2016. Trait flexibility of generalist invertebrates exposed to contrasting predation and drying stressors. Freshwater Biology 61: 862-875. Abstract
SEASONAL POPULATION LINKAGES BETWEEN RIVER CHANNELS AND FLOODPLAIN WETLANDS
M.S. Entomology, 2010
Darold Batzer lab - Entomology Department
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia USA
My master’s research focused on the important seasonal linkages between river channels and neighboring floodplain wetlands. I focused on larval mayfly movements between the two habitats in the Georgia Piedmont region and found connections with dynamic floodplain habitats can be critical to the development of particular riverine invertebrates. These findings are pertinent as floodplain habitats are under high risk with Georgia’s recent record-breaking droughts and controversies over water-use. The fauna that rely on natural flooding regimes to to complete their life-cycle are at particular risk.
For more details:
Galatowitsch, M.L. and D.P. Batzer. 2011. Benefits and costs of Leptophlebia (Ephemeroptera) mayfly movements between river channels and floodplain wetlands. Canadian Journal of Zoology 89: 714-723. Abstract
Batzer, D.P., G.B. Noe, L. Lee, M. Galatowitsch. 2018. A floodplain continuum for Atlantic Coast rivers of the Southeastern US: predictable changes in floodplain biota along a river’s length. Wetlands 38: 1-13. Abstract
INSECT ESCAPE BEHAVIORS IN RESPONSE TO A SPECIALIZED BIRD PREDATOR
B.S. Biology, 2004
Ron Mumme lab - Biology Department
Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania USA
My undergraduate honors research tested the functional ecology of Costa Rican insect (Homoptera) escape behaviours in reaction to a specialized bird predator (Myioborus sp.). Homopteran escape responses differed greatly based on their defense strategies (structural or coloration) along with evidence that their response is linked to geographically varied Myioborus plumage used to startle their prey.
For more details:
Galatowitsch, M. L., and R. L. Mumme. 2004. Escape behavior of neotropical homopterans in response to a flush-pursuit predator. Biotropica 36: 586-595. PDF
Mumme, R. L., M. L. Galatowitsch, P. G. Jablonski, T. M Stawarczyk, and J. P. Cygan. 2006. Evolutionary significance of geographic variation in a plumage-based foraging adaptation: an experimental test in the slate-throated redstart (Myioborus miniatus). Evolution 60: 1086-1097. PDF
Additional research and professional experience
U.S. Forest Service/Center Aquatic Technology Transfer (2007)
Biological Science Aid
Blacksburg, Virginia
Inventoried habitat and fish of National Forest streams in the Southeastern U.S. Also surveyed national forest road crossing structures using standard survey equipment to evaluate barriers to stream fish dispersal.
U.S. Forest Service - Center for Aquatic Technology Transfer website
Peace Corps (2004-2006)
Environmental Education Volunteer
La Libertad, Nicaragua
Along with teaching in rural primary schools and adult education through Nicaragua’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of the Environment and the local municipal government I also worked closely with the local environmental office on a variety of environmental projects. In particular I assisted with a water monitoring project to measure gold mining impacts using physical-chemical tests and macroinvertebrates. In conjunction with the water monitoring I also lead a workshop on rapid biological stream assessments for local municipal governments.
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (2004)
Research Assistant
Gothic, Colorado
Collected and identified aquatic invertebrates for research on invertebrate communities in alpine ponds across a predator-permanence gradient. The more permanent ponds are dominated by polyphenic salamanders that influence invertebrate community structure. Also assisted with radio telemetry of adult salamanders.
More details:
Whiteman, H.H., S.A. Wissinger, N.G. Gerlanc, M. Denoël, and J.J. Gutrich. 2012. Larval growth in polyphenic salamanders: making the best of a bad lot. Oecologia 168: 109–118. PDF
Wissinger, S.A., H.H. Whiteman, M. Denoël, M. Mumford, and C. Aubee. 2010. Consumptive and nonconsumptive effects of cannibalism in fluctuating age-structured populations. Ecology 91(2): 549–559. Appendices in Ecology Archives PDF Appendices in Ecology Archives
Wissinger, S.A., J.C. Whissel, and C. Eldermire. 2006. Predator defense along a permanence gradient: roles of case structure, behavior, and developmental phenology in caddisflies. Oecologia 148: 667-678. PDF
Allegheny College, Biology Department (2003)
Research Assistant
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Assisted with misting netting, leg banding, and behavioral observations of foraging of slate-throated redstarts in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
More details:
Mumme, R. L. 2010. Breeding biology and nesting success of the slate-throated whitestart (Myioborus miniatus) in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122:29-38. PDF
Allegheny College, Biology Department (2002-2004)
Laboratory Assistant
Meadville, Pennsylvania
Identification of New Zealand benthic Diptera (chironomids) for comparisons of permanent and temporary lentic communities. Also, identified odonates to genus and species to assess stream ecology impacts and helped with long-term monitoring of salamander populations in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
More details:
Wissinger, S.A., H.S. Greig, and A.R. McIntosh. 2009. Absence of species replacements between permanent and temporary lentic communities in New Zealand. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 28(1):12-23. PDF
Kirk, M.A., M.L. Galatowitsch, S.A. Wissinger. 2019. Seasonal climate change differences explain a lack of multi-decadal shifts in population characteristics of a pond breeding salamander. PlosOne 14(9). PDF
U.S. Department of Agriculture-PPQ/APHIS (2002-2003)
Temp. Inspector
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Searched aircraft, X-rayed, and searched international passenger luggage for prohibited food at the
Minneapolis/St. Paul international airport.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/APHIS website
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (2002)
Laboratory Technician
St. Paul, Minnesota
Identified adult and larva mosquitoes and blackflies for controlling target species throughout the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area. Trapped and sampled adult mosquito populations for monitoring mosquito borne viruses (West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis).
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District website
Allegheny College, Biology Department (2000-2002)
Laboratory Assistant
Meadville, Pennsylvania
Constructed collection traps and analyzed of avian fecal samples for research on bird dispersal of plant seeds in fragmented landscapes. In addition, creating GIS land cover maps of Western Pennsylvanian watersheds used as class materials and research.
More details:
Levey, D.J., B.M. Bolker, J.J. Tewksbury, S. Sargent, & N.M. Haddad. 2005. Effects of landscape corridors on seed dispersal by birds. Science, 309(5731), 146-148. PDF
Tewksbury, J.J., D.J. Levey, N.M. Haddad, S. Sargent, J.L. Orrock, A. Weldon, B.J. Danielson, J. Brinkerhoff, E.I. Damschen, and P. Townsend. 2002. Corridors affect plants, animals, and their interactions in fragmented landscapes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 99(20), 12923-12926. PDF
University of Minnesota, Entomology Department (1999-2001)
Laboratory Assistant
St. Paul, Minnesota
Maintained colonies of corn borers and several ladybug species; field and lab data collection for research on effectiveness of biological control agents (wasps and ladybugs) of corn borers, and assessment of Bt resistance in corn borers.
More details:
Harmon, J. P., A. Hayden, and D.A. Andow. 2008. Absence makes the heart grow fonder: Isolation enhances the frequency of mating in Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Journal of insect behavior, 21(6), 495-504. Abstract
Stodola, T. J., D. A. Andow, A. R. Hyden, J. L. Hinton, J. J. Roark, L. L. Buschman, P. Porter, and G. B. Cronholm. 2006. Frequency of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ab in Southern United States corn belt population of european corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Journal of economic entomology, 99(2), 502-507. Abstract
Harmon, J. P., J.A. White, and D.A. Andow. 2003. Oviposition behavior of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in response to potential intra-and interspecific interactions. Environmental entomology, 32(2), 334-339. Abstract
University of Minnesota, Entomology Department (1999-2000)
Intern
St. Paul, Minnesota
Processed caddisflies from samples throughout Minnesota for a survey of caddisfly species distributions.
More details:
Houghton, D. C. 2012. Biological diversity of the Minnesota caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera). ZooKeys, (189), 1-389. PDF
Houghton, D. C. 2007. The effects of landscape-level disturbance on the composition of Minnesota caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) trophic functional groups: evidence for ecosystem homogenization. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 135(1-3), 253-264. Abstract
Houghton, D. C. 2004. Biodiversity of Minnesota caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera): delineation and characterization of regions. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 95(1-3), 153-181. Abstract
Houghton, D. C. and R.W. Holzenthal. 2003. Updated conservation status of protected Minnesota caddisflies. Small Stream, 2, 24. PDF