quarto-inputae1502bc9668e201 – Fish Ecophysiology at TU

We investigate physiological mechanisms in fish (and other animals) from a variety of habitats to characterise their resilience and vulnerability under natural and human-associated environmental change. Open-minded and joy filled whiteboard brainstorming session is one of our favorite lab activities!

Environmental tolerance of striped bass across lifestages

We are exploring environmental tolerance in early life striped bass. As fish grow and mature, they may shift habitats, encounter new environmental stressors, and reallocate energy from growth toward reproduction. Our current projects explore both acute and acclimation responses in striped bass embryos, larvae, and juveniles as they face a range of environmental challenges (e.g., temperatures, hypoxia). Through this work, we aim to better understand the physiological mechanisms that drive vulnerability and resilience of fish in dynamic ecosystems.

Restoration physiology

Stream restoration is widely used to improve degraded aquatic ecosystems and support the recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem function. We examine how fish respond to restoration efforts in Baltimore County streams, with a particular focus on physiological performance and habitat use. By combining traditional field-based ecological assessments with physiological measurements and habitat modeling, we aim to better understand how restoration influences fish health, performance, and distribution.

Tadpole performance in salty conditions

Road de-icing salt runoff is raising baseline salinity levels in freshwater environments, including ephemeral ponds, where many amphibians reproduce and develop. Our projects examine how tadpoles of common frog species across northeastern America cope with these changing conditions. We are combining organismal performances with transcriptomic analyses to understand the biological impacts of freshwater salinization on tadpoles and identify the mechanisms that enable resilience or contribute to sensitivity. This is team work with Drs Jacqueline Doyle (TU) and Will Ryan (Dartmouth College).

Native and invasive crayfish in urban streams

Freshwater salinization is an emerging concern across urban landscapes, impacting stream ecosystems and aquatic life. Our current projects compare the effects of elevated salinity (NaCl) on metabolic rates in native and widely distributed invasive crayfish species in Maryland with the aim to understand better the physiological capacities that may contribute to the success of invasive species in urbanized freshwater systems. Students under this project are also co-advised by Dr. Salice.

Locomotion in freshwater turtles

Over half of freshwater turtle species face extinction risks. Hatchlings are the most vulnerable - They are tiny, extremely prone to predation, and generally have very low survival rates. We are measuring locomotive performance as part of a larger interdisciplinary project with TU colleagues Drs. Steve Kimble, Xin Huang, and Ryan Casey.