Research in the Wilkinson Lab falls along the continuum of curiosity-driven (basic) to use-inspired (applied). We use a combination of comparative surveys, ecosystem experiments, and time series to investigate patterns and controls on aquatic ecosystem function.
Click on a photo to learn more
Click on a photo to learn more
INTERNAL LOADINGInternally-cycled phosphorus can contribute substantially to harmful algal blooms. However, the "when, where, and why?" of internal phosphorus processes are still poorly understood in shallow lakes. With funding from the Iowa DNR, our group, led by Ellen Albright, is investigating the controls on internal P loading in shallow eutrophic lakes. During the summer of 2019, we were also working at Green Valley Lake on phosphorus cycling questions.
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REGIME SHIFTSWhile many ecological changes are gradual, some large changes, or regime shifts, occur more abruptly and seemingly without warning. We are developing statistical early warning indicator methods of regime shifts, such as the onset of harmful algal blooms, as a potential management tool for lakes and reservoirs. This research is being led by David Ortiz and is currently funded by CGRER.
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FOOD WEB RESILIENCELake restoration is an intensive and expensive process, especially given that it is not always successful. We are interested in understanding the role that food web structure plays in resilience and restoration success. This work is led being led by Tyler Butts and is funded through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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CROSS-ECOSYSTEM SYNCHRONYThe coupling of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through the flux of water, nutrients, and organic matter may give rise to synchronization, i.e., the persistent relatedness of fluctuations in state variables between lakes and the terrestrial landscape. With funding from NSF, we're investigating the coherence and phase of these synchronous patterns.
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HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMSWe are working to understand the nutrient and environmental conditions that promote harmful algal blooms (HABs) in lakes and predict the occurrence of toxic blooms. Additionally, we are interested in quantifying the impact of management efforts on water quality and HAB occurrence in downstream recreational water bodies. This work is funded through NSF as well as our Iowa state agency partners.
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CONSUMER NUTRIENT CYCLINGTrait variation among individual organisms can alter nutrient storage and recycling rates and ratios. Through funding from the USDA awarded to Dr. Eric Moody, we are examining the interactions between nutrient concentrations and ratios, cyanobacteria populations and toxicity, and Daphnia traits by combining long-term data from Iowa lakes with controlled laboratory experiments.
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