Biological Limnologist; Aquatic Life in the Finger and Great Lakes
Meghan Brown studies zooplankton in the fresh waters of the Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes and how these microscopic species are influenced by, and influence, biotic and abiotic processes. Using field observations, laboratory experiments, and mathematical models to test hypotheses, her research has centered on how microscopic species interact with their environment and how new species added to the mix have changed the functioning of lakes—namely the fishhook and spiny water fleas, which are among the non-native species that are now established in North American lakes.
Her work has added to the growing body of evidence that non-native species have a substantial impact on our lakes. Her main study species, the spiny water flea, is a close relative to the fishhook water flea that has established in several of the Finger Lakes. These zooplankton, although small in size, have detrimental effects similar to their better known cohorts such as the zebra mussel, purple loosestrife and sea lamprey.
“Although the establishment of these species negatively impacts our lakes, their arrival does provide a lens to view biological process, such as establishment, evolution and species interaction, which are otherwise difficult to elucidate,” Brown explains. “In addition to studying these fascinating aspects of biology, I am involved with mapping the spread of these zooplankters, exploring ways to limit their range expansion, and quantifying their effect on native species. Some of my most recent research explores the role of dormancy, often an obligate phase for freshwater zooplankton, in species dispersal and persistence.” In addition to studying the spiny water flea in North America, she has on going research in Lago Maggiore, Italy where the species is native.
Brown has introduced herself to the students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges through her courses on aquatic biology, exotic species ecology, and conservation biology. Her keen ability to discuss her work in language laypeople can understand has been brought to bear in public forums hosted by the Finger Lakes Institute, the Colleges’ environmental and educational research center.
Her expertise in zooplankton ecology and taxonomy has also been called upon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service to assist with projects using native zooplankton to assess the health of lakes.
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Interview opportunities and additional background information may be requested through the Office of Communications, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York. Phone: (315) 781-3540. After business hours, Communications staff members are accessible through contact information on their answering machine at that number.
Meghan Brown, who joined the biology department in August 2006, holds a doctorate and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
A teacher and researcher, she has taught at The Inland Seas Education Association, Suttons Bay, Mich.; University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minn.; Rochester High School, Rochester, Vt.; The Island Institute, Canoe Island, Wash. She has conducted research with the National Research Council Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi, Pallanza, Italy; Minnesota Sea Grant, Duluth, Minn.; the National Park Service, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, Wis.; U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, Minn.; and Lac Courte Oreilles Conservation Department, Hayward, Wis.
Brown is the author of numerous articles that have appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as Biological Invasions, Journal of Great Lakes Research, Freshwater Biology, and Health Education & Behavior.
She is a member of several organizations including the International Association of Theoretical and Applied Limnology, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and National Association of Science Teachers.