Research in the Strauss Lab
Research in my lab at UW-L centers on ecosystem level processes in freshwater environments. I am particularly interested in nitrogen biogeochemistry and the effects of nutrients on algal growth and production. I am always on the lookout for interested and dedicated undergraduate and graduate students (UW-L has a Masters Degree program in Biology). If you are interested in pursuing a research program in my lab I encourage you to contact me for more information.
Graduate research projects:
Jenna Merry (2011 - present)
Jenna has recently selected to study the ecology of slimy sculpin in local streams for her thesis research.
Robert Mooney (2011 - present)
Robert received a B.S. degree in Aquatic Science from UW-L in 2011 and is continuing his studies here at UW-L as he pursues a M.S. degree. His thesis research will examine the stoichiometric relationships among a cased caddisfly, the benthic algae, and stream water chemistry in several local trout streams. Recently, Rob was awarded a medal for “Superior Graduate Poster in Ecology” at the 2011 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and International Research Conference for his poster titled, “Consumer-driven nutrient recycling between a stream-dwelling, keystone herbivore and its periphyton resources.” Robert is co-advised by Dr. Roger Haro.
Rachel Olmanson (2011 - present)
Rachel will soon begin her thesis research on nitrogen cycling in the Mississippi River.
Stephanie Gatyas (2010 - present)
Effects of macrophytes on carbon retention in stream ecosystems. By measuring whole-stream particulate and dissolved carbon retention before and after macrophyte removal, Stephanie will be able to determine the effect of the plants on these processes.
Shane Symmank (2009 - 2011)
Factors regulating ecosystem-level processes of periphyton in a backwater lake of the Upper Mississippi River. Specfically, Shane examined the effects of substrate type and nutrients on primary production, secondary production, and respiration of the autotrophic and heterotrophic members of the periphyton community. Shane also discovered that the Mississippi River can relentlessly flood out a graduate students research project. Recipient of a 2010 Rada Distinguished Alumni Scholarship.
Shane is currently employed with Natural Systems Utilities in Minnesota.
Brad Austin (2006-2008)
Nitrification and denitrification response to varying
periods of desiccation and inundation
in a western Kansas stream. Brad is currently in a PhD program at the University of Arkansas studying with Dr. Michelle Evans-White.
Undergraduate student research projects:
Robert Mooney (2010-2011)
Nutrient uptake and limitation of phytoplankton in a backwater lake of the Upper Mississippi River. Recipient of a 2010 College of Science and Health Dean's Distinguished Fellowship. Robert did another undergraduate research project examining the stoichiometric relationships among a cased caddisfly and the stream ecosystem. Robert is currently in the Aquatic Science graduate program here at UW-L.
Curtis Slagle (2009-2010)
Hydrodynamic modeling of an unnamed Minnesota stream in the Richard Dorer State Forest. Curtis is currently in the Marine Biology graduate program at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Jenny Heisel (2009 - 2010)
Heterotrophic nitrification in aquatic sediments. Recipient of a 2009 College of Science and Health Dean's Distinguished Fellowship. Jenny is currently serving in Zambia (Africa) as a Forestry Extension Agent in the Peace Corps.
Shane Symmank (2008 - 2009)
Nutrient limitation of periphyton growth in agricultural streams in the driftless region of west-central Wisconsin.
Recipient of a 2008 College of Science and Health Dean's Distinguished Fellowship and a 2009 UW-L
Undergraduate Research Grant.
Shane is currently employed with Natural Systems Utilities in Minnesota.
Amber Goldbeck (2007-2008)
Under-ice nutrient limitation of phytoplankton biomass and production in Myrick Marsh.
Recipient of a 2008 UW-L Undergraduate Research Grant.
Brad Buechel (2008)
Method development for using nutrient diffusing substrates to test for nutrient limitation of periphyton in streams.
Dave Dettman (2008)
Database developement for data acquired in sampling aquatic ecosystems.
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