Dr. Carla L. Atkinson |
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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 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 - incoming June 2021!
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. Matthew Lodato
Ph.D. Student M.S. Environmental Biology, University of Southern Mississippi B.S. Marine Biology, University of Southern Mississippi 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 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.
See the Lab Alumni
Undergraduate Students
Taylor Kelley
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Madison Knapp
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Ansley Hamid
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Maya Owens-Freeman
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Austin Beets |
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Lab Assistance
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Anne Bell
Lab assistance and LACHAT, Seal, and CHNS analyzer extraordinaire! |
Collaborators
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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 Ken Forshay - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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 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 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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