Malacology

My research focuses on the exotic and native freshwater molluscs in New York.  Mollusc communities are important for the healthy functioning of freshwater ecosystems and can make up a majority of the biomass within an ecosystem.  My efforts focus on informing people about the fascinating animals that live on the bottoms of our lakes and rivers as well as conducting scientific studies to add to our knowledge of freshwater mussels and snails in New York.  Specifically, I enjoy monitoring the recovery of populations following ecological disturbance and documenting molluscs in lakes and streams that that lack recent survey data.