Research Interests:

My research is focused on seasonal changes in dynamic fish habitat and water quality in the Caloosahatchee River estuary. The Caloosahatchee River is subject not only to varying runoff input due to seasonal fluctuation, but also to controlled fresh water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Partnered with Florida Gulf Coast University, we are measuring colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, pH, and phycoerythrin in the water column to establish a monthly profile of the river. We are examining how these parameters affect photosynthetic efficiency and the ratio of centric:pennate diatoms at the sediment-water interface. I am also examining how stable isotopes of dissolved oxygen in the water column are affected by seasonal conditions and productivity. Coupled with collections of plankton, these data will provide information on how fresh-water inflows affect the transient habitats of invertebrates and fish in the Caloosahatchee River.