Erin R. Hotchkiss: Previous Research


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Erin R. Hotchkiss Previous Research CO₂ Production by Invasive Snail Calcification Exotic snails can increase the CO₂ production of invaded ecosystems through respiration and CO₂ production during calcification. We quantified the rates of CO₂ production via calcification by the invasive freshwater snail, Melanoides tuberculata, in Kelly Warm Springs, Grand Teton National Park (USGS NAS). We took an ecosystem-level approach by linking Melanoides CO₂production rates with whole-stream measurements of primary production, ecosystem respiration and fluxes of CO₂ into the atmosphere. M.S. Committee: R.O. Hall, A.C. Krist, and E.G. Pendall. Assistance from S. O’Ney, N. Swoboda-Colberg, J. Meyer, C. Boese, J. Theurer and T. Lehnertz. University of Wyoming, 2006-2009. [Photos] Colorado River Food Web I assisted with the collection and processing of algae, macroinvertebrates and fish along 225 miles of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. I spent a majority of my time on the river extracting diatoms for nutrient, isotope, and community assemblage analyses. I also collected oxygen isotope samples for calculations of photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration over a 24-hour period. With Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall, Dr. Ted Kennedy, Dr. Wyatt Cross and Dr. Robert Hall. Loyola University, USGS-GCMRC and University of Wyoming, 2007. [Photos] Denitrification in a Tropical Stream The loss of important fish species may change the role of denitrification in due to reduced grazing and fish N content lost from Venezuelan rivers. Land use changes and increased sedimentation also alter benthic substrate and N availability, both important factors in denitrification. The goal of this project was to quantify the role of denitrification in Rio Las Marías and compare denitrification to other rates of N cycling. Collaborators C.T. Solomon, R.O. Hall, A.J. Ulseth, E. Stanley, J.Moslemi and A.S. Flecker. Other assistance from: K. Capps, J. Figueredo, M. Baker and C.P. Arango. University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wyoming and Cornell University, 2005-2009. [Photos] Stream Nitrogen Uptake and Cycling I was a graduate research assistant for the last season of LINX2 data collection on nitrogen transport and uptake in streams using ¹⁵N tracer additions, Grand Teton National Park. With Dr. Robert Hall and Dr. Jennifer Tank. University of Wyoming and University of Notre Dame, 2005. [Photos] Sea Turtle Nesting Census I recorded nesting activities and hatch success of hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles on Buck Island Reef National Monument and the beaches of the Buccaneer Hotel. I also assisted with exotic mammal removal, in-water juvenile hawksbill mark and recapture, and the creation of a plant ID database for Buck Island. With Zandy Hillis-Starr, Kimberly Woody and Philippe Mayor. National Park Service, St. Croix, 2004. [Photos] Restored Wetland Productivity I collected data on the density, diversity and productivity of aquatic plants and macroinvertebrates in a restored wetland, and their effect on waterfowl feeding behavior in Two Rivers Wildlife Refuge. I also helped collect data on catfish and carp movement and reproduction. With Darin Grulkowski, Randy Smith and Dr. Mike Eichholz. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 2004. [Photos] Bird Behavior and Disease I completed an independent project on the changes in house finch behavior when infected with Microplasma gallisepticum in Atlanta, GA. With Dr. Sonia Altizer and Andy Davis. Emory University, 2003-2004. [Photos] Nutrient Limitation in a Tropical Stream I studied the role of limiting nutrients on chironomid larvae growth rates in the laboratory and their effects on in-stream microbial respiration. La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. With Marcelo Ardon, Dr. Becky Bixby, Mainor Hidalgo and Dr. Catherine Pringle. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), and University of Georgia, 2003. [Photos] Energy Conservation Liaison I worked with faculty and staff at Emory to reduce the College’s energy use and with Facilities Management to compile energy use data. With Dr. Peggy Barlett and Dr. John Wegner. Emory University, 2002-2003. [Energy Brochure] Land Use and Stream Nitrification My independent project compared potential sediment nitrification and denitrification in streams surrounded by different land-use types (forested, urban, and agricultural). I also assisted with field and laboratory work for several projects studying the nitrogen dynamics in Michigan streams and a reservoir in Illinois. With Dr. Melody Bernot, Dr. Jennifer Tank, Lareina Wall and Clay Arango. University of Notre Dame, 2002. [Photos] Plant Biofuel Genetics I quantified the genetic diversity of switchgrass plants due to isolation over time. With Lee Gunter and Dr. Gerald Tuskan. Environmental Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2001. [Photos]