SREL Reprint #3703

At the interfaces of the hydrologic sciences: Connecting water, elements, ecosystems, and people through the major contributions of Dr. Emily Bernhardt

Ashley M. Helton1, Jennifer L. Morse2, Elizabeth B. Sudduth3, Marcelo Ardón4, Raven Bier5, Kristofor A. Voss6, Matthew R.V. Ross7, Joanna R. Blaszczak8, Jessica E. Brandt1, Marie Simonin9, Jennifer D. Rocca10, Alice Carter11, Jacqueline R. Gerson12, Emily A. Ury13, and Michael J. Vlah10

1Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, and the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
2Department of Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University,
Portland, OR 97201, USA
3Department of Biological Sciences, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
4Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
5Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
6Department of Biology, Regis University, Denver, CO 80221, USA
7Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, CO 80523, USA
8Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno,
Reno, NV 89557, USA
9Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, Angers F-49000, France
10Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
11Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
12Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder,
Boulder, CO 80309, USA
13Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada

Abstract: In this paper, we describe the major contributions of Professor Emily Bernhardt to the hydrologic sciences. Dr. Bernhardt’s work addresses how carbon, nutrient, and contaminant dynamics respond to a wide range of environmental perturbations that alter hydrologic dynamics within and connectivity among ecosystems. Her research leverages intensive and extensive field sampling, experimental manipulations, macroscale data harmonization and exploration, and continental to global-scale synthesis activities to uncover key drivers and patterns of the impacts human perturbations have on water and elemental cycles. Dr. Bernhardt’s research program is defined by her ability to ask questions and use approaches that explicitly consider connectivity and interfaces in a variety of ways. Here, we highlight significant contributions from Dr. Bernhardt’s work, organized by connectivity, interfaces, and interactions among and across (1) elemental cycles, (2) ecosystems, (3) watersheds, (4) scales, and (5) disciplines. We conclude with a section on Dr. Bernhardt’s impact on the hydrologic sciences and beyond through her exceptional dedication to mentorship, engagement, and service.

Keywords: Biogeochemistry, Hydrologic connectivity, Stream ecology, Aquatic ecosystem ecology, Ecohydrology, Mentorship

SREL Reprint #3703

Helton, A. M., J. L. Morse, E. B. Sudduth, M. Ardon, R. Bier, K. A. Voss, M. R. V. Ross, J. R. Blaszczak, J. E. Brandt, M. Simonin, J. D. Rocca, A. Carter, J. R. Gerson, E. A. Ury, and M. J. Vlah. 2023. At the interfaces of the hydrologic sciences: Connecting water, elements, ecosystems, and people through the major contributions of Dr. Emily Bernhardt. Journal of Hydrology 619(2023): 129251.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).