Dr. Carla L. 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
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 try to understand the linkages between organisms and ecological function. Research focuses on southeastern US rivers, geographically isolated wetlands of the Gulf Coastal Plain, and some work on tropical stream systems and Alaskan tundra streams.
Post Doctoral Research Associates
|
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. Garrett is working on the Mussels Dimensions of Biology project. |
Graduate Students
|
Irene Sanchez Gonzalez
Ph.D. Student M.S. Biology, Arkansas State University B.S. Biology, Missouri Valley College 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. |
Brian van Ee
Ph.D. Candidate
B.S. Aquatics and Fisheries Science, SUNY - College of Environmental Science and Forestry
I am interested in how biotic communities organize and function. I am examining freshwater mussel communities to determine to what extent mussels partition resources within the community to better understand how these animals co-occur with so many potentially competing species. I am also investigating the ecosystem functions carried out by freshwater mussels and the interplay between mussel niche space and ecosystem function to determine whether species specific niche characteristics augment their ecosystem function.
Ph.D. Candidate
B.S. Aquatics and Fisheries Science, SUNY - College of Environmental Science and Forestry
I am interested in how biotic communities organize and function. I am examining freshwater mussel communities to determine to what extent mussels partition resources within the community to better understand how these animals co-occur with so many potentially competing species. I am also investigating the ecosystem functions carried out by freshwater mussels and the interplay between mussel niche space and ecosystem function to determine whether species specific niche characteristics augment their ecosystem function.
|
Megan Davis
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. |
See the Lab Alumni
Visiting Scholars
|
Isao Sano
International Student from Japan Ph.D. Student, Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Japan Master of Education, Education, University of Yamanashi, Japan Bachelor of Education, Education, University of Yamanashi, Japan I am interested in the mechanisms of evolution in organisms. Specifically, I am using freshwater animals as an example to investigate the impacts of habitat on species diversification. So far, I have elucidated the evolutionary history of freshwater mussels (Unionidae and Margaritiferidae, Unionoida) and eight-barbel loaches (Balitoridae, Cypriniformes) living in East Asia. In the future, I plan to examine the parallel evolution of freshwater organisms living in East Asia and North America. |
Undergraduate Students
Lucas Glisson
|
Madison Knapp
|
Gabrielle Dickinson
|
Lilah Havens
|
Lucas Edgren
|
Maya Owens-Freeman
|
Austin Beets
|
Ansley Hamid
|
Lab Assistance
|
Anne Bell
Lab assistance and LACHAT, Seal, and CHNS analyzer extraordinaire! |
Collaborators
|
Caryn Vaughn - University of Oklahoma
Jason Julian - Texas State University Jeff Lozier - University of Alabama Matt Jenny - University of Alabama Ken Forshay - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Stephen Golladay - J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center Lora Smith - J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center Antonio Castro - Idaho State University Alex Flecker - Cornell University Kevin Kocot - University of Alabama |
Krista Capps - University of Georgia (Atkapps Exchange!)
Halvor Halvorson - Southern Mississippi University Amanda Rugenski - University of Georgia Amanda Subalusky - Yale University Lisa Davis - University of Alabama Colin Jackson - University of Mississippi Ryan Garrick - University of Mississippi Steve Bullard "Ash" - Auburn University Damon Hall - St. Louis University Paul Johnson - Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center |
Lab Mascot
|
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.
|
