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  • Home
  • People
  • Research Interests
  • Publications
  • Service & Outreach
  • Lab News
  • Prospective Students

Dr. Carla L. Atkinson  

Dr. Atkinson
Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oklahoma, 2013
M.S. Ecology, University of Georgia, 2008
B.S. Biology, Missouri State University, 2006


Curriculum Vitae
Google Scholar Profile
Publications

Lab: Bevill Hall, Room 2109
Office: Bevill Hall, Room 2109B

Courses taught:
BSC 320: Freshwater Studies
​BSC 385: Ecology and Evolution
BSC 695: Foundations of Ecology
                                                         BSC 497/695: Coastal Plain Aquatic Ecosystems

I study the ecology, evolution, and conservation of aquatic ecosystems with particular focus in rivers and geographically isolated wetlands. Work in my lab group uses a combination of field and mesocosm studies with larger spatial scale analyses and syntheses. With a focus on aquatic insect, mussel, and amphibian communities, I  aim to understand the linkages between organisms and ecological function. Research focuses on southeastern US rivers,  geographically isolated wetlands of the Gulf Coastal Plain, and Arctic stream systems.

Post Doctoral Research Associates

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Dr. Garrett Hopper 

Ph.D. Biology, Kansas State University
M.S. Biology, Kansas State University
B.S. Natural Resource Ecology and Management: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology, Oklahoma State University


I am an aquatic ecologist with broad interests in community ecology, ecosystem structure and function, and conservation biology.  My research addresses two basic themes: 1) identifying patterns and processes regulating species diversity and habitat associations of stream organisms; 2) influence of global change on the relationship between diversity and stream ecosystem function. I combine field, mesocosm, and laboratory studies to understand these interactions and processes. See his personal website to learn more. 

Garrett is working on the Mussels Dimensions of Biology project. 

Dr. Shannon Speir 

Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
M.S. Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas
B.S. Biology and Spanish, Texas Christian University


I am an ecosystem ecologist and stream biogeochemist interested in stream ecosystem function and nutrient transformations in both human- and climate-impacted freshwater systems. My research combines both field and laboratory studies, as well as the use of high-frequency sensing, to determine the mechanisms driving biogeochemical transformations and nutrient transport. I also aim to ground my research in translational ecology, in which my findings have real world impacts on conservation/restoration efforts and policy. To learn more, see her website.

Shannon is working on the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbes in Streams (AIMS!!) project.


Graduate Students

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Megan Kubala 

M.S. Student 
B.S. Biology, Millersville University 

My previous research projects have included studying the bioaccumulation of PCBs in aquatic systems and nutrient assimilation in the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata. My broad research interests include aquatic ecology, conservation biology, and microbial ecology. I am interested in studying how mussel species diversity influences sediment microbial community structure as well as how sediment microbial species composition impacts large-scale ecosystem processes. For my graduate research, I’ll be working in collaboration with the Mussels Dimensions of Biology project. 
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Matthew Lodato 

Ph.D. Student
M.S. Environmental Biology, University of Southern Mississippi
B.S. Marine Biology, University of Southern Mississippi
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My broad interests are microbial ecology, organic matter processing, and elemental cycling. I intend to study the metabolic interactions between microorganisms and macroinvertebrates to assess the impact these relationships have on carbon and nutrient cycling and other ecosystem processes. My previous research investigated the functional importance and diversity of fungi during aerial leaf litter decomposition and I recently led the sampling efforts of multiple, ongoing Everglades research projects focused on the population dynamics and spatial ecology of aquatic communities.​
Irene Sánchez González 

Ph.D. Candidate
M.S. Biology, Arkansas State University
B.S. Biology, Missouri Valley College
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I am interested in the diversity of traits of freshwater mussels, including morphology or nutrient storage, and how those traits vary across environmental gradients. I plan to study the influence that mussel diversity has on ecosystem functioning with lab experiments and field observations in several streams draining into the Tennessee and Mobile River Basins. Some of my previous research includes: land use impacts on water quality and the influence of river habitat on freshwater mussel community structure.
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Chelsea Smith

Ph.D. Student
M.S. Ecology, University of Georgia
B.S. Biology, Music, University of Alabama
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I am interested in how environmental filters can affect invertebrate community development and growth and what effect that has on carbon and nutrient cycling. I plan to study secondary production across a range of intermittent streams within the Southeast. In addition, I will look at how differing communities throughout the recolonization period affect carbon and nutrient cycling within these systems. Some of my previous research includes invertebrate community dynamics across a gradient of flow permanence, organic matter processing within isolated wetlands and water quality dynamics within a run-of-the-river reservoir.​

See the Lab Alumni


Undergraduate Students​

Taylor Kelley

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Jonathan Buchanan

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Lacey Kohler

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Lab Assistance

Anne Bell
Anne Bell


Lab assistance and LACHAT, Seal, and CHNS analyzer extraordinaire!

Collaborators

​Dan Allen - University of Oklahoma

Jon Benstead - University of Alabama

Amy Burgin - University of Kansas 

Krista Capps - University of Georgia  (Atkapps Exchange!)

​Lisa Davis - University of Alabama

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Ken Forshay - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Ryan Garrick - University of Mississippi

Stephen Golladay - J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center

Halvor Halvorson - University of Central Arkansas

Alex Huryn - University of Alabama

​Colin Jackson - University of Mississippi

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Matt Jenny - University of Alabama
Jason Julian - Texas State University

Paul Johnson - Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center

Nate Jones - University of Alabama


Kevin Kuehn - University of Southern Mississippi

Kevin Kocot - University of Alabama

Jeff Lozier - University of Alabama

John Pfeiffer - Smithsonian


Amanda Rugenski - University of Georgia

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Lora Smith - J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center

Amanda Subalusky - University of Florida

​​Caryn Vaughn - University of Oklahoma

Lab Mascot

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Chloe Bear!

Chloe's research interests involve finding the best sticks when she comes out for field work. She particularly favors sticks near rivers that are thrown for her chasing enjoyment.
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