Research Team
Rebecca North, Ph.D.
Rebecca North, Ph.D.
Rebecca is an emerging researcher in aquatic ecology and biogeochemistry, with expertise on nutrient and algal dynamics in water bodies. She left the great white North and joined the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. Her PhD in limnology was obtained at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada where she worked on eutrophication issues in the African and North American Great Lakes. Her postdoctoral fellowship at Trent University, Ontario, Canada facilitated the expansion of her work to include the watershed, where she examined non-point sources of nutrient loading to a large lake. Her work as a Research Associate with the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada has been focused on light-nutrient interactions in a large reservoir and the importance of winter processes.
Rebecca is an emerging researcher in aquatic ecology and biogeochemistry, with expertise on nutrient and algal dynamics in water bodies. She left the great white North and joined the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. Her PhD in limnology was obtained at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada where she worked on eutrophication issues in the African and North American Great Lakes. Her postdoctoral fellowship at Trent University, Ontario, Canada facilitated the expansion of her work to include the watershed, where she examined non-point sources of nutrient loading to a large lake. Her work as a Research Associate with the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada has been focused on light-nutrient interactions in a large reservoir and the importance of winter processes.
Andrea Price, Ph.D., Senior Research Specialist
Andrea Price, Ph.D., Senior Research Specialist
Andrea Price earned her PhD in 2016 from McGill University in Physical Geography. She completed both her MSc and BSc from the University of Victoria in Earth and Ocean Sciences. Her graduate studies focused on using organic-walled microfossils as indicators of water quality in coastal regions around North America. She is currently a Senior Research Specialist in the North Limnology Lab and the Project Manager for the Statewide Lake Assessment Program. She moved to Missouri in 2022 and is enjoying getting to know Missouri’s lakes and cycling paths.
Andrea Price earned her PhD in 2016 from McGill University in Physical Geography. She completed both her MSc and BSc from the University of Victoria in Earth and Ocean Sciences. Her graduate studies focused on using organic-walled microfossils as indicators of water quality in coastal regions around North America. She is currently a Senior Research Specialist in the North Limnology Lab and the Project Manager for the Statewide Lake Assessment Program. She moved to Missouri in 2022 and is enjoying getting to know Missouri’s lakes and cycling paths.
Madisyn Branch, Lab Manager
Madisyn Branch, Lab Manager
Madisyn Branch graduates December of 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in water. Her interests in environmental science include water quality and conservation. She began working as a field/lab technician in the limnology lab in spring of 2023, directly helping graduate student Fatima Laraib with her research project on how thiamine affects phytoplankton communities in freshwater lakes. She has also helped collect data for the SLAP program. She plans to attend graduate school to earn her masters degree in environmental science.
Madisyn Branch graduates December of 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in water. Her interests in environmental science include water quality and conservation. She began working as a field/lab technician in the limnology lab in spring of 2023, directly helping graduate student Fatima Laraib with her research project on how thiamine affects phytoplankton communities in freshwater lakes. She has also helped collect data for the SLAP program. She plans to attend graduate school to earn her masters degree in environmental science.
Kian Gallagher, Lab Manager
Kian Gallagher, Lab Manager
Kian, a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, comes from Fishkill, NY, and earned his bachelor's degree in Organismal Biology. While attending SUNY New Paltz he did research at the Freshwater Biology Lab with Professor David Richardson, collecting data from Mohonk Lake and other ponds and lakes in Ulster County, NY. He is excited and grateful to be part of SLAP this summer and to work with everyone at the lab!
Kian, a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, comes from Fishkill, NY, and earned his bachelor's degree in Organismal Biology. While attending SUNY New Paltz he did research at the Freshwater Biology Lab with Professor David Richardson, collecting data from Mohonk Lake and other ponds and lakes in Ulster County, NY. He is excited and grateful to be part of SLAP this summer and to work with everyone at the lab!
Lorena Silva, Postdoctoral Fellow
Lorena Silva, Postdoctoral Fellow
Lorena Silva is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri and in the Horn Point Laboratory at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Her research interests include water quality, plankton dynamics, and ecosystem ecology. The overarching goal of her research is to understand how global change issues (e.g., eutrophication, land use change, pollution, urbanization, and climate change) impact the biodiversity and functioning of aquatic ecosystems using observational, experimental, and modeling approaches in habitats that range from streams and ponds to large lakes and river systems. She received her M.Sc. in the Department of Biology at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and her Ph.D. in the Department of Ecology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, both in Brazil. Her current work has been focused on how earth-observing satellite data can better inform critical links between the biogeochemical and optical properties of inland waters. The results of this project will help target chlorophyll hotspots to track cyanoHABs across the state of Missouri.
Lorena Silva is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri and in the Horn Point Laboratory at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Her research interests include water quality, plankton dynamics, and ecosystem ecology. The overarching goal of her research is to understand how global change issues (e.g., eutrophication, land use change, pollution, urbanization, and climate change) impact the biodiversity and functioning of aquatic ecosystems using observational, experimental, and modeling approaches in habitats that range from streams and ponds to large lakes and river systems. She received her M.Sc. in the Department of Biology at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and her Ph.D. in the Department of Ecology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, both in Brazil. Her current work has been focused on how earth-observing satellite data can better inform critical links between the biogeochemical and optical properties of inland waters. The results of this project will help target chlorophyll hotspots to track cyanoHABs across the state of Missouri.
Stay tuned: https://sites.google.com/view/lorenapinheiro-silvaphd
Stay tuned: https://sites.google.com/view/lorenapinheiro-silvaphd
Fatima Laraib, Ph.D. Student
Fatima Laraib, Ph.D. Student
Fatima is a Ph.D. student in the Water Resources program under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca North. She received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mississippi. Her undergraduate research focused on the species diversity of the understory and overstory in long-term monitoring plots at the University of Mississippi Field Station. Her current research focuses on cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, the persistence and degradation of cyanotoxins in the un-monitored seasons (spring, fall, winter), and the effect of vitamin B1 on phytoplankton and cyanobacteria biomass.
Fatima is a Ph.D. student in the Water Resources program under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca North. She received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mississippi. Her undergraduate research focused on the species diversity of the understory and overstory in long-term monitoring plots at the University of Mississippi Field Station. Her current research focuses on cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, the persistence and degradation of cyanotoxins in the un-monitored seasons (spring, fall, winter), and the effect of vitamin B1 on phytoplankton and cyanobacteria biomass.
Zohreh Mazaheri Kouhanestani, Ph.D. Student
Zohreh Mazaheri Kouhanestani, Ph.D. Student
Zohreh is a Ph.D. student in the Water Resources program of the School of Natural Resources under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca North. She received a B.S. of Fisheries Sciences from Isfahan University of Technology and a M.Sc. of Aquatic Ecology from the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran. Prior to joining MU, she worked as a Data Analyst in Soil and Water Research Institute. Her past research consisted of the studying ichthyoplankton and phytoplankton communities in Coastal ecosystems as well as host-parasite relationship in stream fish species. She is going to investigate the impact of flood on Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) and the associated toxins in Missouri lakes and reservoirs. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and hopefully exploring the nature of Missouri.
Zohreh is a Ph.D. student in the Water Resources program of the School of Natural Resources under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca North. She received a B.S. of Fisheries Sciences from Isfahan University of Technology and a M.Sc. of Aquatic Ecology from the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran. Prior to joining MU, she worked as a Data Analyst in Soil and Water Research Institute. Her past research consisted of the studying ichthyoplankton and phytoplankton communities in Coastal ecosystems as well as host-parasite relationship in stream fish species. She is going to investigate the impact of flood on Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) and the associated toxins in Missouri lakes and reservoirs. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and hopefully exploring the nature of Missouri.
SLAP Rover - Field Technician
SLAP Rover - Field Technician
Christopher Kalogeris, Undergraduate Student
Christopher Kalogeris, Undergraduate Student
Chris is a senior studying environmental sciences with an emphasis in water quality. He joined the North MU Limnology lab in the Spring of 2022 as a SLAP Rover, and continued into the 2023 field season. During his time at the lab, he has had the opportunity to travel most of Missouri, see many different reservoirs, get an appreciation for the beauty and variation of the state, and become familiar with many of Missouri's reservoirs. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, going for bike rides, taking hikes, and running. After graduating he wishes to continue working in this field either through the lab or through the Department of Natural Resources.
Chris is a senior studying environmental sciences with an emphasis in water quality. He joined the North MU Limnology lab in the Spring of 2022 as a SLAP Rover, and continued into the 2023 field season. During his time at the lab, he has had the opportunity to travel most of Missouri, see many different reservoirs, get an appreciation for the beauty and variation of the state, and become familiar with many of Missouri's reservoirs. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, going for bike rides, taking hikes, and running. After graduating he wishes to continue working in this field either through the lab or through the Department of Natural Resources.
SLAP Rover - Field Technician
SLAP Rover - Field Technician
Jacob Skipton, Undergraduate Student
Jacob Skipton, Undergraduate Student
Jacob Skipton is a sophomore studying Natural Resources Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife. He joined the Limnology lab in fall 2022. He is interested in anything outdoors and loves to travel. Jacob plans to pursue a career in conservation after graduating from MU.
Jacob Skipton is a sophomore studying Natural Resources Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife. He joined the Limnology lab in fall 2022. He is interested in anything outdoors and loves to travel. Jacob plans to pursue a career in conservation after graduating from MU.
Trevor Vigus, Undergraduate Student
Trevor Vigus, Undergraduate Student
Trevor Vigus will graduate in December 2025 with a degree in Environmental Science and an emphasis in water. He joined the Limnology Lab in Spring 2024 to assist with SLAP. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and hanging out with his cat. After graduating, Trevor plans to pursue a career in a Department of Natural Resources.
Trevor Vigus will graduate in December 2025 with a degree in Environmental Science and an emphasis in water. He joined the Limnology Lab in Spring 2024 to assist with SLAP. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and hanging out with his cat. After graduating, Trevor plans to pursue a career in a Department of Natural Resources.
Abby Williams
Abby Williams
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Abby is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife Science student at the University of Missouri, interested in studying marine organisms and ecosystems. She is currently working as a Lab Tech in the Limnology Lab as well as doing undergraduate research on small mammals in the Gompper Lab. This past summer she worked as a Marine Animal Rehabilitation Intern with harbor seals, gray seals, and Kemps Ridley sea turtles at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. This past school year she worked as a Lab Tech in the Webb Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology Research Lab. After completing her Bachelor’s degree Abby plans to spend a year gaining work experience before beginning a Master’s in Marine Biology or Biological Oceanography.
Abby is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife Science student at the University of Missouri, interested in studying marine organisms and ecosystems. She is currently working as a Lab Tech in the Limnology Lab as well as doing undergraduate research on small mammals in the Gompper Lab. This past summer she worked as a Marine Animal Rehabilitation Intern with harbor seals, gray seals, and Kemps Ridley sea turtles at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. This past school year she worked as a Lab Tech in the Webb Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology Research Lab. After completing her Bachelor’s degree Abby plans to spend a year gaining work experience before beginning a Master’s in Marine Biology or Biological Oceanography.
Ben Oesch, Undergraduate Student
Ben Oesch, Undergraduate Student
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Ben is a junior studying fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri. He samples the larger reservoirs in Missouri with Danu, the speed boat. The samples he collects are for the SLAP program. Ben enjoys floating on Missouri's finest rivers and hunting and fishing. He hopes to work at the Missouri Department of Conservation after completing his education.
Ben is a junior studying fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri. He samples the larger reservoirs in Missouri with Danu, the speed boat. The samples he collects are for the SLAP program. Ben enjoys floating on Missouri's finest rivers and hunting and fishing. He hopes to work at the Missouri Department of Conservation after completing his education.
Chris Brunet
Chris Brunet
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Chris graduated in 2019 from Grinnell College with a B.A. in chemistry and a concentration in environmental studies. While at Grinnell, Chris worked on high-resolution monitoring of nutrient fluxes in agricultural streams and ponds. Before coming to the lab in the Fall of 2019, Chris studied coastal water quality as a Research Assistant at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.
Chris graduated in 2019 from Grinnell College with a B.A. in chemistry and a concentration in environmental studies. While at Grinnell, Chris worked on high-resolution monitoring of nutrient fluxes in agricultural streams and ponds. Before coming to the lab in the Fall of 2019, Chris studied coastal water quality as a Research Assistant at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.
Clare Vanderwerken
Clare Vanderwerken
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Clare joined the lab in May of 2018 as a lab technician to help with the SLAP and LMVP projects. She graduated from Mizzou in August 2018 with her B. S. in Biological Sciences. She intends to pursue a career in a research field and is currently enjoying learning new things in the MU Limnology Lab.
Clare joined the lab in May of 2018 as a lab technician to help with the SLAP and LMVP projects. She graduated from Mizzou in August 2018 with her B. S. in Biological Sciences. She intends to pursue a career in a research field and is currently enjoying learning new things in the MU Limnology Lab.
Cody Kimbell
Cody Kimbell
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Crystal Rein, Research Specialist I
Crystal Rein, Research Specialist I
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Crystal Rein graduated magna cum laude from Columbia College with a BA in General Studies, Concentration in Education and Psychology. After several years of leading an elementary classroom, her career meandered into managing staff and volunteers at the local Columbia Farmers Market. After deeply contemplating her love for the outdoors and her desire to protect Missouri waterways, Crystal decided to return to undergraduate life by receiving an Environmental Science - Water degree at the University of Missouri in 2023, with aspirations to attend graduate school afterwards. Having joined the MU Limnology in 2020, Crystal learns something new about Missouri waterways each and every day. Her hobbies include canoeing, hiking, traveling, overlanding and growing her skills at fly fishing.
Crystal Rein graduated magna cum laude from Columbia College with a BA in General Studies, Concentration in Education and Psychology. After several years of leading an elementary classroom, her career meandered into managing staff and volunteers at the local Columbia Farmers Market. After deeply contemplating her love for the outdoors and her desire to protect Missouri waterways, Crystal decided to return to undergraduate life by receiving an Environmental Science - Water degree at the University of Missouri in 2023, with aspirations to attend graduate school afterwards. Having joined the MU Limnology in 2020, Crystal learns something new about Missouri waterways each and every day. Her hobbies include canoeing, hiking, traveling, overlanding and growing her skills at fly fishing.
Dan Obrecht
Dan Obrecht
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Dan started working in the limnology laboratory as an undergraduate in 1990. He received his BS in 1993 and his MS in 2010, both through the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences at the University of Missouri. As an undergraduate, he helped establish the Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program; a successful program that is still engaging Missourian’s in the monitoring of reservoirs across the state. He has been the limnology laboratory manager since 2001. Away from work, Dan enjoys the outdoors and hopes to one day perfect his fly casting.
Dan started working in the limnology laboratory as an undergraduate in 1990. He received his BS in 1993 and his MS in 2010, both through the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences at the University of Missouri. As an undergraduate, he helped establish the Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program; a successful program that is still engaging Missourian’s in the monitoring of reservoirs across the state. He has been the limnology laboratory manager since 2001. Away from work, Dan enjoys the outdoors and hopes to one day perfect his fly casting.
Emily Kinzinger
Emily Kinzinger
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Emily joined the MU Limnology Lab in the fall of 2018 as an M.S. student under Dr. Rebecca North. Her research focuses on an assessment of the year-round presence and severity of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and their associated toxins. Emily received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO). She was previously employed as an Environmental Scientist, where she prepared technical analyses in the context of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Emily joined the MU Limnology Lab in the fall of 2018 as an M.S. student under Dr. Rebecca North. Her research focuses on an assessment of the year-round presence and severity of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and their associated toxins. Emily received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO). She was previously employed as an Environmental Scientist, where she prepared technical analyses in the context of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Erin Petty
Erin Petty
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Erin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Missouri in 2017 with a B.S. in Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She joined the MU Limnology Lab as a technician in the summer of 2017 and began her graduate studies in Water Resources at MU later that fall. As an M.S. student, her research focuses on algal dynamics and light-nutrient interactions within Missouri reservoirs. Previously employed as an assistant GIS specialist at the Missouri Department of Conservation, Erin is also interested in utilizing spatial analysis to examine landscape modification and eutrophication within Missouri systems.
Erin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Missouri in 2017 with a B.S. in Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She joined the MU Limnology Lab as a technician in the summer of 2017 and began her graduate studies in Water Resources at MU later that fall. As an M.S. student, her research focuses on algal dynamics and light-nutrient interactions within Missouri reservoirs. Previously employed as an assistant GIS specialist at the Missouri Department of Conservation, Erin is also interested in utilizing spatial analysis to examine landscape modification and eutrophication within Missouri systems.
Hannah Jaeger
Hannah Jaeger
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Hannah graduated in 2020 from the University of Missouri with a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in water. She started in the lab in 2019 as an undergraduate researcher for the Lugnuts Project, looking at the impact different forms of nitrogen has on algal toxin concentrations in water. She now coordinates the ROSS project, which works with high school students to monitor harmful algal blooms year-round.
Hannah graduated in 2020 from the University of Missouri with a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in water. She started in the lab in 2019 as an undergraduate researcher for the Lugnuts Project, looking at the impact different forms of nitrogen has on algal toxin concentrations in water. She now coordinates the ROSS project, which works with high school students to monitor harmful algal blooms year-round.
Jacob Cianci-Gaskill
Jacob Cianci-Gaskill
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Jacob recently joined the Limnology Lab as a PhD student under the tutelage of Dr. Rebecca North. He is interested in applied limnology issues such as harmful algal bloom management and understanding how invasive species introductions influence our lentic ecosystems. Jacob received his BS from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, NY) and his MS from Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids, MI) where he studied the relationship between invasive dreissenid mussels and the cyanobacteria Microcystis in a low-nutrient lake.
Jacob recently joined the Limnology Lab as a PhD student under the tutelage of Dr. Rebecca North. He is interested in applied limnology issues such as harmful algal bloom management and understanding how invasive species introductions influence our lentic ecosystems. Jacob received his BS from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, NY) and his MS from Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids, MI) where he studied the relationship between invasive dreissenid mussels and the cyanobacteria Microcystis in a low-nutrient lake.
Jannice Newson
Jannice Newson
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Jannice Newson is a senior majoring in Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science. She is interested in water quality, aquatic plants, and green infrastructure. She is a McNair Scholar and will begin working with Dr. Rebecca North on an undergraduate research project in Fall 2017. Currently, Jannice serves as a CAFNR Recruitment Intern and Secretary of Mizzou Black Women’s Initiative (MBWI). She has contributed to various projects including shoreline restoration evaluation at the Chicago Botanic Garden and recirculating aquaculture systems at the University of Michigan. After graduating from MU, she plans to obtain a M.S. in Environmental Science.
Jannice Newson is a senior majoring in Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science. She is interested in water quality, aquatic plants, and green infrastructure. She is a McNair Scholar and will begin working with Dr. Rebecca North on an undergraduate research project in Fall 2017. Currently, Jannice serves as a CAFNR Recruitment Intern and Secretary of Mizzou Black Women’s Initiative (MBWI). She has contributed to various projects including shoreline restoration evaluation at the Chicago Botanic Garden and recirculating aquaculture systems at the University of Michigan. After graduating from MU, she plans to obtain a M.S. in Environmental Science.
Jaylen Bragg
Jaylen Bragg
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
My name is Jaylen Bragg, and I am a junior studying Environmental Science with an emphasis in Hydrology. I have a strong interest in how hydrological processes impact nutrient loading in freshwater ecosystems. I currently work in the Limnology lab as an undergraduate research assistant, and I will work in the lab full time during the summer of 2017. After obtaining my B.S. in Environmental Science, I plan on attending graduate school to obtain my M.S. in Environmental Science and continue researching lakes and freshwater ecosystems.
My name is Jaylen Bragg, and I am a junior studying Environmental Science with an emphasis in Hydrology. I have a strong interest in how hydrological processes impact nutrient loading in freshwater ecosystems. I currently work in the Limnology lab as an undergraduate research assistant, and I will work in the lab full time during the summer of 2017. After obtaining my B.S. in Environmental Science, I plan on attending graduate school to obtain my M.S. in Environmental Science and continue researching lakes and freshwater ecosystems.
Kendall Ivey
Kendall Ivey
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Kendall Ivey is a sophomore Fisheries and Wildlife major with a minor in Chemistry. She is interested in aquatic ecology and the impact of water quality on the balance of the ecosystem. Kendall began working with the limnology lab in the fall of 2019 as a research technician. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in either marine or freshwater fisheries with the goal of improving conservation efforts.
Kendall Ivey is a sophomore Fisheries and Wildlife major with a minor in Chemistry. She is interested in aquatic ecology and the impact of water quality on the balance of the ecosystem. Kendall began working with the limnology lab in the fall of 2019 as a research technician. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in either marine or freshwater fisheries with the goal of improving conservation efforts.
Kiah Wright
Kiah Wright
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Kiah joined the limnology lab during the fall of 2019. She is a senior Natural Resource Science & Management major with an emphasis in fisheries and wildlife. Kiah is interested in aquatic ecology and water quality as it relates to freshwater stream fishes, particularly threatened non-game species. Currently, she is also working for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a resource science aide and spent this past summer assisting in the monitoring of Niangua Darter and Longnose Darter populations in Southern Missouri. After graduation, Kiah hopes to obtain a graduate degree in fisheries biology so that she can pursue a career in aquatic science research.
Kiah joined the limnology lab during the fall of 2019. She is a senior Natural Resource Science & Management major with an emphasis in fisheries and wildlife. Kiah is interested in aquatic ecology and water quality as it relates to freshwater stream fishes, particularly threatened non-game species. Currently, she is also working for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a resource science aide and spent this past summer assisting in the monitoring of Niangua Darter and Longnose Darter populations in Southern Missouri. After graduation, Kiah hopes to obtain a graduate degree in fisheries biology so that she can pursue a career in aquatic science research.
Kyra Florea
Kyra Florea
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Kyra joined the Limnology lab during the summer of 2018. She is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife major and is currently working on an undergraduate thesis focusing on the relationship between dissolved organic matter and the formation of harmful algal blooms. Kyra hopes to pursue a graduate degree in either limnology or oceanography.
Kyra joined the Limnology lab during the summer of 2018. She is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife major and is currently working on an undergraduate thesis focusing on the relationship between dissolved organic matter and the formation of harmful algal blooms. Kyra hopes to pursue a graduate degree in either limnology or oceanography.
Lexy Algiere
Lexy Algiere
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
My name is Alexandria Algiere, but most people call me Lexy. I am currently a Senior attending Columbia College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. This summer I had the pleasure of interning with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in the Resource Science Division’s (RSD) Environmental Health Unit (EHU), working specifically on a project looking at Tunnel Dam’s impact on dissolved oxygen in the lower Niangua River. My academic interests include studying botany, aquatic ecology, and water quality.
My name is Alexandria Algiere, but most people call me Lexy. I am currently a Senior attending Columbia College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. This summer I had the pleasure of interning with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in the Resource Science Division’s (RSD) Environmental Health Unit (EHU), working specifically on a project looking at Tunnel Dam’s impact on dissolved oxygen in the lower Niangua River. My academic interests include studying botany, aquatic ecology, and water quality.
Lillian Henderson, Undergraduate Student
Lillian Henderson, Undergraduate Student
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Lily is a junior studying environmental science with an emphasis in soils at the University of Missouri. She joined the lab in the summer of 2023 and collects data for the SLAP program. She is also involved in analyzing data for the ROSS program. She enjoys painting, reading, and swimming. After graduating she plans on pursing further education to earn her Ph.D.
Lily is a junior studying environmental science with an emphasis in soils at the University of Missouri. She joined the lab in the summer of 2023 and collects data for the SLAP program. She is also involved in analyzing data for the ROSS program. She enjoys painting, reading, and swimming. After graduating she plans on pursing further education to earn her Ph.D.
Marissa Gerritson, Undergraduate Student
Marissa Gerritson, Undergraduate Student
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Marissa Gerritson is currently an undergraduate student studying Biological Systems Engineering on the Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering track at UW-Madison. Marissa worked at the MU Limnology lab through a watershed management research and outreach internship program that focuses on relevant water issues in states throughout the Midwest. This summer, she is helping with lake sampling, creating a poster defending the validity of community science, and co-authoring educational materials regarding water issues with the other students in her program. Her favorite part of working in the lab is saying hello to the swans at Bethel Lake every week and her favorite part of life is spending time in nature and with friends and family.
Marissa Gerritson is currently an undergraduate student studying Biological Systems Engineering on the Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering track at UW-Madison. Marissa worked at the MU Limnology lab through a watershed management research and outreach internship program that focuses on relevant water issues in states throughout the Midwest. This summer, she is helping with lake sampling, creating a poster defending the validity of community science, and co-authoring educational materials regarding water issues with the other students in her program. Her favorite part of working in the lab is saying hello to the swans at Bethel Lake every week and her favorite part of life is spending time in nature and with friends and family.
Matt Sauer
Matt Sauer
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Matthew is a Fisheries and Wildlife graduate from the University of Missouri. He is interested in aquatic ecology, especially looking at how humans are impacting these ecosystems. He has been working for the Limnology Lab since February of 2016 and was a part of the SLAP field team during 2016 and 2017.
Matthew is a Fisheries and Wildlife graduate from the University of Missouri. He is interested in aquatic ecology, especially looking at how humans are impacting these ecosystems. He has been working for the Limnology Lab since February of 2016 and was a part of the SLAP field team during 2016 and 2017.
Meghan Schrik
Meghan Schrik
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Meghan Schrik graduated from Regis University in 2016 with a BS in environmental science. There she did research in aquatic ecotoxicology and was a water quality intern for the city of Denver. She is currently traveling in New Zealand and Thailand. This summer she will be a lab technician for the University of Missouri before pursuing a MS in aquatic ecology in the fall.
Meghan Schrik graduated from Regis University in 2016 with a BS in environmental science. There she did research in aquatic ecotoxicology and was a water quality intern for the city of Denver. She is currently traveling in New Zealand and Thailand. This summer she will be a lab technician for the University of Missouri before pursuing a MS in aquatic ecology in the fall.
Lab Technician, Nicole M. Sánchez-Matos
Lab Technician, Nicole M. Sánchez-Matos
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Nicole received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, and her M.S. in Biotechnology from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. She has previous experience working in both a Limnology, and a Mycology lab back in Puerto Rico. At the MU Limnology lab, she is working as one of the lab technical staff for the Statewide Lake Assessment Program (SLAP).
Nicole received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, and her M.S. in Biotechnology from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. She has previous experience working in both a Limnology, and a Mycology lab back in Puerto Rico. At the MU Limnology lab, she is working as one of the lab technical staff for the Statewide Lake Assessment Program (SLAP).
Owen Gallagher
Owen Gallagher
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Currently a Junior, I am an Environmental Science major with an emphasis on water quality and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. This will be my first semester working under Dr. North with the Linked Undergraduate Research in Nutrients (LUGNUTS). Under Dr. North, I will be looking at the different impacts different nutrients have on harmful toxins produced during harmful algal blooms. With this degree, I am interested in the public health side of environmental science.
Currently a Junior, I am an Environmental Science major with an emphasis on water quality and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. This will be my first semester working under Dr. North with the Linked Undergraduate Research in Nutrients (LUGNUTS). Under Dr. North, I will be looking at the different impacts different nutrients have on harmful toxins produced during harmful algal blooms. With this degree, I am interested in the public health side of environmental science.
Dr. Ruchi Bhattacharya
Dr. Ruchi Bhattacharya
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Dr. Ruchi Bhattacharya is the recent recipient of the MU Postdoctoral Fellowship for Faculty Diversity. She is an aquatic biogeochemist and paleo-limnologist. Her research focuses on understanding the ecological, biogeochemical and hydrological responses of aquatic ecosystems, across spatial scale, in relation to anthropogenic alterations and hydro-climatological changes. In particular, her research attempts to reveal underlying physical and biological processes that exert strong control on ecology of lake and river ecosystems. The key questions she focuses on are: a) How does the interaction between landscape characteristics and hydrological variability influence the nutrient and water fluxes from catchment to lake? b) What is the ecological response of lake ecosystems to this influx?
Dr. Ruchi Bhattacharya is the recent recipient of the MU Postdoctoral Fellowship for Faculty Diversity. She is an aquatic biogeochemist and paleo-limnologist. Her research focuses on understanding the ecological, biogeochemical and hydrological responses of aquatic ecosystems, across spatial scale, in relation to anthropogenic alterations and hydro-climatological changes. In particular, her research attempts to reveal underlying physical and biological processes that exert strong control on ecology of lake and river ecosystems. The key questions she focuses on are: a) How does the interaction between landscape characteristics and hydrological variability influence the nutrient and water fluxes from catchment to lake? b) What is the ecological response of lake ecosystems to this influx?
Tom Swenson
Tom Swenson
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Tom is a junior majoring in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Water Quality. He will start working for the Limnology Lab during Spring 2018. He will be assisting Erin Petty on her research project this summer. His main interests are in eutrophication and the impacts urban areas have on lentic systems, especially in the Great Lakes region. After obtaining his B.S. he plans to get his M.S. in Water Quality to help municipalities get access to clean water.
Tom is a junior majoring in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Water Quality. He will start working for the Limnology Lab during Spring 2018. He will be assisting Erin Petty on her research project this summer. His main interests are in eutrophication and the impacts urban areas have on lentic systems, especially in the Great Lakes region. After obtaining his B.S. he plans to get his M.S. in Water Quality to help municipalities get access to clean water.
Emma Williams, Undergraduate Student
Emma Williams, Undergraduate Student
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Emma Williams is a senior studying Biology at Stephens College in Columbia. She joined the lab in the summer of 2023. Her interests are kayaking and reading. She is currently working on a tributary project, collecting data from tributaries leading into the Lake of the Ozarks. She also helps collect data for the SLAP program throughout the summer. Emma is also apart of the Stephens College summer research program working with trematode parasites in terrestrial snails.
Emma Williams is a senior studying Biology at Stephens College in Columbia. She joined the lab in the summer of 2023. Her interests are kayaking and reading. She is currently working on a tributary project, collecting data from tributaries leading into the Lake of the Ozarks. She also helps collect data for the SLAP program throughout the summer. Emma is also apart of the Stephens College summer research program working with trematode parasites in terrestrial snails.
Yusuf Olaleye, Graduate Student
Yusuf Olaleye, Graduate Student
Gone, but not forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
Yusuf is a Marine biologist with focus on phytoplankton ecology and primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems. He has his B.S. in Marine Biology and M.S. in Marine Pollution and Management from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca North, his research involves merging data on phytoplankton identification and counting with water quality data to comprehend the dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Cyanotoxins concentrations in Missouri Reservoirs
Yusuf is a Marine biologist with focus on phytoplankton ecology and primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems. He has his B.S. in Marine Biology and M.S. in Marine Pollution and Management from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca North, his research involves merging data on phytoplankton identification and counting with water quality data to comprehend the dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Cyanotoxins concentrations in Missouri Reservoirs