Research Topics:
PREDICTIVE MODELING OF ENDANGERED SPECIESThe Woolnough Lab is interested in determining what influences freshwater mussel distribution across North America. We work on theoretical, spatial and empirical data modeling to aid in teasing out reasons why we observe such variation in mussels in rivers. Tools used in these modeling efforts include GIS modeling, multivariate statistics and spatial statistics. We model common to globally rare species in small to large rivers. Dr. Woolnough often collaborates with other spatial modelers that consider terrestrial or solely theoretical models. |
APPLIED RESEARCH ON INFLUENCES OF FRAGMENTATIONThe Woolnough Lab is involved in a variety of applied research to understand the influence of dams (e.g., hydroelectric, low head) and dam removals as well as other types of fragmentation (e.g., land use, water quality) on the distribution and survival of native freshwater mussels.
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CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERNThe Woolnough Lab is interested in understanding the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) on freshwater mussels and their host fish. We are exposing hosts (e.g., largemouth bass) and various freshwater mussel species to commonly found contaminants from urban and agricultural based ecosystems. This experiment will help us to understand the effects of CECs on glochidial attachment and transformation success rates.
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INVASIVE SPECIESThe Woolnough Lab is interested in understanding the influences of invasive species on the distribution and survivorship of freshwater mussels. Specifically, the lab is interested in understanding how invaders like the invasive Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Quagga Mussel (Dreissena bugensis), and Asian Clam (Corbicula spp.) can compete with freshwater mussels for resources such as space and nutrients.
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PROPAGATION OF FRESHWATER MUSSELSThe Woolnough Lab is interested in conservation and management of freshwater mussels through propagation and re-introduction. Freshwater mussels have a unique lifecycle in which the larval form, glochidia, parasitize specific species of host fish in order to complete their lifecycle. The Lab has worked in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Consumers Energy on the propagation of federally endangered Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra) using Logperch hosts (Percina caprodes). In addition, the Woolnough Lab is currently collaborating with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to create Michigan's first freshwater mussel propagation facility in Saline, MI. |