2008 IGERT Graduate Students

Mike Evans

I received my BA in computer science from Saint John's University in 2007 and promptly went to work for a financial company making web applications. After a year, I decided to head back to school. One of the classes I had been most interested in as an undergrad was 'Introduction to Data Mining', which taught techniques and algorithms to search for new knowledge derived from large data sets. I am now a PhD student working in the spatial data mining group, which researches data mining on geographic data.

Patrick McNamara

I received my BS in civil engineering from Marquette University in 2006. While at Marquette I also earned a minor in Spanish which afforded me the opportunity to travel to various Central American countries where I quickly grew to appreciate the necessity of environmental engineering in any community, rural or urban. To pursue my deepened interest in the field of environmental engineering, I attended the University of Texas where I received an M.S.E. degree in 2008. While at Texas I studied ways to minimize polymer usage in anaerobic digestion under the guidance of Dr. Desmond Lawler. I have since returned to my home state of Minnesota and am enrolled in a doctorate program in Civil Engineering, where I am advised by Dr. Paige Novak.

Generally speaking, my research interests include wastewater and biosolids treatment processes, and currently, I specifically study estrogens, a class of endocrine disrupting compounds that have been found in wastewater as well as biosolids. These compounds have been shown to feminize fishes, especially those that are found near the discharge points of wastewater treatment plants. I plan to study the presence of estrogens in septic effluent discharge, monitor how the presence of estrogens changes with time, and also determine ways to further degrade the estrogenic compounds to minimize their risk in the environment. In my free time I enjoy running, fishing, playing the piano, and watching gopher football (which will undoubtedly get better with time).

Corey Markfort

I earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Evansville in 2003. During that time I interned at the Indiana Department of Transportation where I worked in the Hydraulic Services Department helping design hydraulic roadway structures. In 2005 I completed a MS in Civil Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Here I conducted research on dissolved oxygen sensors used to determine lake and stream water quality. I then went to work in consulting at a Midwest regional firm, Bonestroo. The main focus of my work was on ecological restoration of surface water systems, specifically stream restoration and urban lake ecosystem restoration. I also completed the Stream Restoration Science and Engineering Certificate program at the University of Minnesota, part of the National Center for Earth Surface Dynamics at St. Anthony Falls Lab.

My Ph.D. research focuses on land/atmosphere interactions and the affect of wind flow dynamics, in land to lake transitions, on lake ecosystem processes. Specific questions I am interested to answer include, how does heterogeneity of sheltering along lakes affect wind access and how does the spatial and temporal dynamics of surface shear stress affect lake ecosystem dynamics, specifically biogeochemical cycling, including carbon storage? How can we better model atmospheric boundary layer dynamics in an urban setting with heterogeneous topography consisting of many lakes to better predict weather and air quality?

The IGERT program provides a wealth of opportunity for me to interact with other researchers interested in interdisciplinary study linking the interactions between the built environment and natural ecosystems to gain better insight into how to build sustainable infrastructure for the future.

Casey Godwin

I am broadly interested in aquatic ecology, particularly how microbial physiology interacts with community- and ecosystem-level processes in nutrient cycling. My current interest is how carbon and phosphorus requirements affect diversity and stoichiometry of heterotrophic bacteria. I received my BA in biology and environmental studies form Cornell College (Mount Vernon, IA). I completed my MS in Ecology at The Pennsylvania State University where I studied nutrient status of highly productive stream algae. I am currently a student in the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program, working with Professor Cotner.

Ryan Littlewood

I received a B.A. in biology at Duke but after graduating worked in a lab in the Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences there, eventually returning for an MS. I worked on problems in coastal and aeolian geomorphology and became interested in simple numerical models, which have great power to reproduce key features of complex systems. Now, at the St. Anthony Falls Lab, I plan to study self-organization in geology and ecology, especially in the context of river deltas and coastal wetlands. These systems, which frequently are of great importance to human beings and may be heavily managed, are the result of complex and fascinating interactions among biotic and abiotic processes. Even more specifically, I hope to contribute to the solution of problems in South Louisiana as a result of the degradation of the Mississippi Delta. This places my planned research at another intersection, that of the abstract and theoretical--complexity, sediment transport, the evolution of depositional systems--with the concrete and practical--the management of a heavily engineered system.

2007 IGERT Graduate Students

William Eddy

My current academic focus on the ecology and the anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems is rooted in my exploration of nearby woodlots and outdoor adventures as a impetuous youth. This love of the outdoors intensified as I became interested in the study of ecology through passionate teachers speaking of the serious impact humans have on the environment and the importance of knowledge in the protection of the natural world. I graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio with a BS in biology, where I was fortunate to have been exposed to many great mentors and to have many pivotal research experiences. I left the great state of Ohio (the Heart of It All) to go do my MS at the University of Michigan, as a student of Donald Zak. Under his attentive guidance, I focused on terrestrial ecosystem ecology, and honed my research abilities. I moved to Minnesota in 2005, and have since worked for Sarah Hobbie, first as a tech, and now as a Ph.D student.

In my research, I aim to understand the spatial and temporal scales of microbial community diversity, composition, and function and how these micro-level processes scale to ecosystem level processes. Moreover, I am interested in understanding how humans have altered soil microbial communities, and how nitrogen deposition has affected carbon and nitrogen cycling. Overlaying these interests is my concern about the negative effects of humans on natural ecosystems, my hope that we can sustainably utilize ecosystem resources, and my desire to see function restored to degraded ecosystems. In my personal life I still try to play outside as much as possible, as a photographer, cyclist, SCUBA diver, and adventure racer.

Meghan Funke

I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (I thought designing buildings would be fun) and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (I thought structurally designing buildings would be even more fun). Six years later, I realized I really don't care about the built environment. Fortunately, while in an introductory environmental engineering course, I became fascinated with aquatic biogeochemistry. I had my first taste of research with Dr. Tim LaPara in the Civil Engineering department studying microbial diversity under varying lake nutrient regimes. After graduating, I began doing research for Dr. Jim Cotner, a microbial ecologist/limnologist in the EEB department, and will continue working towards my dissertation under his tutelage. I will be studying the effects of physical and chemical processes (e.g., solar radiation and lake mixing regimes) on dissolved organic matter in lakes. When I'm not researching, I enjoy going on backcountry canoe trips (the pack I'm carrying in the photo started out at 80 lbs, grrrr!) and satisfying my enormous sweet tooth. Oh, and my last name is pronounced Funk-ee.

Greg LeFevre

I received my BS in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University, and have worked with a variety of nonprofit and governmental groups such as Citizens For Conservation, the Indian Health Service, World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Teton River, and as a research aide. Nurturing a deep love of the outdoors, I did volunteer work and interned in restoration ecology for 15 years before pursuing engineering as a method of understanding and solving big-picture problems on a fundamental basis. Thus much of my research interests lie in the realm of ecological engineering: utilizing and learning from ecological principles to enhance sustainability.
I will be studying the use of legumes and their respective microbial communities for the degradation of stormwater petrochemicals in bioretention cells being implemented in Low Impact Development communities and for phytoremediation. Broadly, this encompasses research that will examine the importance of natural systems on water quality and low impact solutions.

Joey Reid

I earned my BS in Botany from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Some people think of life as a special case of physics or chemistry; I believe that there is something about life that expresses laws more fundamental than even the most basic laws of physics. I'm sort of hoping to contribute some speck to that hypothesis by studying complex ecosystems, especially where ecosystems interface with each other and cross-scale effects exist. I expect this IGERT program to contribute to my research by providing me with tools, language and opportunities to cross boundaries in my research. In addition to research, I'm looking forward to teaching and outreach. I spend my free time enjoying: sailing, surfing, cycling, photography, and food.

2006 IGERT Graduate Students

Bethany Brinkman

I received my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering (Environmental Emphasis) from Virginia Tech (go Hokies!). In addition to a lot of hiking, I assisted a doctoral student in studying the affects of chemical shocking on sludge deflocculation. From there I moved out to the University of Minnesota and studied the biodegradation of haloacetic acids for my Master’s degree. After graduating and working as a consulting engineer for four years, I returned to academia this fall.

My interests are in natural systems (especially wetlands) and how they can influence water quality and treatment. Hobbies include reading, gardening, quilting, and trap shooting.

Ted Fuller

Broadly speaking, I am interested in bedrock river systems and their response to changes in steady state conditions. Strath terraces are of particular interest to me because they suggest that on some time scale, lateral erosion was more dominant than vertical incision. I want to figure out what conditions cause lateral erosion to outpace vertical incision. I am also interested in using cosmogenic isotopes to compare recent basin wide erosion rates with past erosion rates in a river basin that has been extensively logged.

Becoming part of the IGERT program is very exciting because it gives me the opportunity to explore the numerous links between my interests and the other IGERT disciplines. Some links that come to mind include the link between terrace formation and stream ecology/water resources as well as the link between the tools of computer science and large data sets that are common in geology. I believe my participation in the IGERT program will turn me on to new and more applied areas of research and give me new perspective on my current areas of interest.

I received a B.S. in Economics from the University of Oregon and worked in the financial industry for four years before discovering that geology is what made me happy. I have a B.S. in Geology from the University of South Florida and just recently decided to convert from the M.S. program to the Ph.D. program in geology here at the University of Minnesota.

Mitch Haustein

I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas (2006). My research as an undergraduate focused on the effects of fish on aquatic invertebrate communities in Minnesota shallow lakes. The experiences associated with this research inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Department at the University of Minnesota.

My goals as a graduate student are to become a limnologist with broad training across biological, chemical, and physical aspects of science. Because ecology utilizes multiple temporal and spatial scales of analysis, and considers both biotic and abiotic factors, I believe understanding physical and chemical processes are a necessary requirement for a successful limnologist. My desire to study ecology at the community and ecosystem scale reinforces the importance of an expansive scientific background due to the broad-scale analyses associated with this research. Participation in the IGERT program will provide me with the opportunity to obtain these strengths.

My ultimate objective is to teach and conduct research at a college or university. The field of academia will provide me with the ability to fulfill my two strongest interests, research and teaching.

Mark Morris

Ecological fluid dynamics holds many possibilities to constructively contribute to society and is a large part of my research interest. I have a high regard for the natural cycles and resources mankind needs and am excited to be involved in IGERT with the opportunity to study ecological impacts of fluid movement, and to practically apply these ideas to water resource management.

I earned a BS in Integrative Biology from Brigham Young University in Utah with minors in Math and German. My summer work focused on aquatic biology and water resource engineering: including an internship with an environmental consulting firm in Williamsburg, VA, a river restoration project in Utah, a summer in the Upper Penninsula in Michigan studying large woody debris in rivers and land geomorphology, and work with endangered fish and amphibians. My career goals include environmental consulting and education.

Stuart Ness

I received my undergraduate degree in computer science and economics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During my undergraduate years, I worked in collaboration with the USGS EROS Geological Research Station working on computational remote sensing based NDVI problems.

I currently am a doctoral student in the computer science graduate program. My research interests are in remote sensing, spatial data, and data mining.

2005 IGERT Graduate Students

IGERT Students: Front Row: Kate Phillips, Amy Hansen, Jim Kang; Back Row: Emily Peters, Becky Stark, Erin Surdo

Amy Hansen

I am interested in studying how fluid mechanics influence the population dynamics of plankton in wetland zones of aquatic environments. My long term career goal is to work in international water quality protection emphasizing the relationship between human caused physical disturbances, aquatic ecology and water quality.

I have a BS in Engineering and Applied Sciences from Caltech (1993) and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan- Ann Arbor (1995). I worked in mechanical engineering design for 7 years, first in the automotive industry, then later in with scanning probe metrology. Most recently, I spent two years in Peace Corps Honduras working in watershed protection and characterization with local communities.

Jim Kang

I received my undergraduate degree in computer science at Purdue University and continued to work for Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. While working I pursued my Master of Science in computer science at Rochester Institute of Technology. I am currently a Doctoral student in the computer science graduate program. My research interests are in data, spatial, and multimedia mining.

Emily Peters

I received my undergraduate education in Ecology and Evolution at the University of California- Santa Cruz. After graduating, however, I deviated from the laboratory/field science I was trained in and took an environmental policy job at a nonprofit conservation organization. This experience influenced my goal of participating in the science that influences environmental policy.

My research currently focuses on understanding climate change dynamics in an urban ecosystem. I was attracted to the IGERT program because I believe its ambition to link civil engineers and ecologists is progressive and essential for significant advancements in environmental science, such as climate change science. Environmental problems, such as climate change, are complex and require many scientists with different expertise to unravel its puzzles. I believe the IGERT will teach me how to communicate across scientific disciplines and expose me to questions where interdisciplinary solutions are necessary.

Katherine Phillips

I started my education convinced that I would end up in chemical sales. I got a degree in chemistry and a degree in communications from the University of Minnesota hoping to be the best saleswoman/scientist I could be. The problem was, I wound up feeling that there were much bigger problems facing our water resources than how to best soften the water in cooling towers around the Twin Cities. Through my research experiences in the Chemistry, Public Health, and Conservation Biology departments I became fascinated with the potential to describe aqueous biological systems as they are perturbed by natural and human induced actions. Questions like how can we model these changes in water systems to predict or in some cases even maximize beneficial biological processes, are often so difficult, but very important to ask. By studying how changing environmental conditions, like nutrient limitation and surplus, are impacting the metabolism of bacteria, I hope to begin to address how simple organisms may be responding to non-equilibrium dynamics in their environment.

Becky Stark

I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2002 with a bachelors degree in physics. After graduation, I worked for a year in the molecular biology lab where I had done my undergraduate research on physical manipulation of short DNA molecules. I left this position to intern for the National Parks Night Sky Monitoring Program out of Bryce Canyon National Park, and to work with a habitat restoration crew on San Clemente Island, CA. My research interests include microbial ecology and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems and at aquatic-terrestrial interfaces.

Erin Surdo

My background is in chemical engineering (B.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison), but today I am a PhD student in the Civil Engineering department working on the development of reactive barriers for contaminant containment. My project is very “chemical engineering”, but without the environmental engineering background provided by my department and the understanding of ecosystem dynamics provided by integration with EEB department through the IGERT program, I could not truly understand the implications of the technology I will develop. For example, if the barrier is used to contain and degrade PCBs in stream sediments, how will the reduced nutrient fluxes at the sediment-water interface affect the ecology of the stream? This program will help me design a solution that will work in the field as well as in the lab.