biological and ecological engineering

 college of engineering

 college of agricultural science

research

The main research focuses of this lab include the response and recovery of stream ecosystems to flooding, disturbance, watershed activities, and restoration pratices, particularly in the links between channel morphology and aquatic ecology. Through research and education, we try to address questions related to:

• which restoration activities are most appropriate under various conditions?
  
• how do we measure the success of our restoration efforts?
  
• what are the links between physical and biological responses and interactions?
  
• how do we learn about ecosystem processes in a systematic and holistic way?
  
• how do we manage our water resources so that they meet mulitiple use objectives?

we address these issues through:

• field and laboratory investigations of physical, biological, and chemical responses to restoration and engineered applications in riveriene ecosystems
• development and evaluation of targeted and appropriate ecological indicators for the assessment of engineered designs in riveriene systems
• documenting and developing management of the effects of urban and agricultural activities and management practices on aquatic ecosystem stability in developing countries