Ecology

Faculty and graduate students in the Ecology group conduct research in forests, wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes (including Lake Erie), investigating questions at all levels of ecological complexity ranging from populations to ecosystems across taxa ranging from microbes and invertebrates to fish, in a variety of habitats, including properties owned by Kent State, as well as in modern laboratories using a wide range of approaches (including molecular methods, modeling, embedded sensors, etc.)  to address critical issues in basic and applied ecology. There are abundant nearby field sites for research, including locations on campus and other nearby properties owned and operated by Kent State, such as Jenning's Woods along the West Branch of the Mahoning River. The Kent campus is home to a unique experimental wetland facility, The Art and Margaret Herrick Memorial Aquatic Ecology Research Facility (AERF). The Kent region features numerous field sites including small streams, rivers, bogs, natural lakes and reservoirs.
Among current interests of Kent State Ecology faculty are:

1. examination of responses of populations or communities (microbial, invertebrate, or vertebrate)  to specific environmental features and conditions;
2. examination of the effect of community structure on ecological processes (such as aspects of nutrient and carbon cycles), and effects of environmental features and conditions on ecosystem functions. Diverse and abundant natural resources regionally, nationally and globally serve as the backdrop for ecology studies conducted by Kent State faculty and students. 

Members of our group are funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other state and federal agencies.