People

Dr. Meiyin Wu is the Director of the New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology and a professor in Montclair State University’s Department of Biology. Her expertise is in aquatic ecosystem ecology and management, including wetlands, lakes, and streams. Her research often emphasizes on water quality, harmful algal blooms, nonpoint source pollution control, invasive species, ecosystem restoration, and conservation. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University and has published more than 50 articles and books, as well as been awarded three U.S. patents on innovative water treatment technology. 

Dr. Tsung-Ta David Hsu is a research scientist at the New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology, Montclair State University. His current research focuses on water quality assessments, microbial source tracking, and harmful algal bloom (HAB) surveys for New Jersey waters. He has received extensive training in both life and environmental sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. in environmental sciences from the Ohio State University. His doctoral research emphasized on microbial water quality examinations to investigate both ecosystem service and potential concerns in urban wetlands from a public health perspective.

Before moving to NJ, he conducted bacterial water quality monitoring and modeling projects for regional watershed programs in Southern California. He received his B.S. in biochemistry and M.S. in industrial microbiology from National Taiwan University, Taiwan. In his free time, David enjoys taking road trips or simply spending time outdoors with his family!

I am an Aquatic Ecologist with a focus on freshwater ecosystems and how safe their water is for specific designated uses and other needs. In my research, I am particularly interested in investigating the risks of contamination in water and shellfish tissue, their sources, and management implication from a watershed perspective. My expertise is focuses on fecal bacteria, cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, nutrients, and physical parameters, among others but also developing new methods of analysis.

Annie Hurley is a Research Scientist at the New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology. She is the lab's resident phytoplankton analyst and all-around phycology (the study of algae) enthusiast.

She completed her Bachelors in Science degree in Biology at Montclair State University in 2019. She will receive her Masters of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida in December 2023 -- she is currently completing her thesis project, which explores the diversity of cyanobacteria in intertidal habitats. 

Colleen Potocki is the Coordinator of Education and Outreach at the New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology. She has a Master of Science degree in Sustainability Science from Montclair State University. Colleen grew up in an ever changing environment where industrialization and urbanization took over the land. Seeing visible detrimental effects to the environment, Colleen wanted to learn more about the influence of the Anthropocene. As someone who adores touring national parks and hiking, she uses her passion and knowledge of the environment to educate others.

As the Coordinator of Education and Outreach, Colleen designs and implements environmental education lessons and outreach programs.

I grew up surrounded by woods in West Milford. My whole life I spent exploring nature and wandering around in the woods. I now live on the Ramapo river which has exposed me to a whole new array of wildlife that I’m not used to seeing. I worked on farms and at pet stores, just about anything to keep me around animals. I’ve always loved being outdoors and I have spent my last 12 summers as a landscaper. When I’m not landscaping, I also work for a traveling summer camp. This has given me the opportunity to travel to wonderful locations all around the world.

I went to Kean University where I graduated with a dual certificate in K-12 Special Education and Biology. After that I got a job teaching high school Biology and Environmental Science, and this year I will be entering my 8th year there. While teaching I attended Montclair State and received my Masters in Biology with a concentration in Ecology Evolution through Dr. Wu’s lab. My thesis focused on the effectiveness of cameras to monitor the usage of wildlife crossing culverts. This is when I found my love for frogs. After that I obtained my Water Resource Management certificate from Montclair. I finally decided to start the PhD program in Environmental Management and am looking forward to being out in the field and working with everyone.