Lab Members

Members of the FEWS Lab

Dr. Dave Roon (Research Associate)

My research explores the ecology of freshwater systems with a focus on the processes that link aquatic ecosystems, forests, and watersheds. I use this research to better understand how terrestrial disturbances that change forest conditions can influence aquatic ecosystems. My previous research projects have evaluated the spread of invasive species in riparian forests on salmonid food webs in Alaska and the effects of riparian forest restoration on stream ecosystems in the redwoods of northern California. My current research models the effects of wildfire and shifting fire regimes on aquatic ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. All my work is designed to directly inform natural resource management. Through my research I have worked with a wide range of managers including municipal, state, and federal agencies, national parks, and private timber companies.

In collaboration with Becky Flitcroft (USFS PNW Research Station) and Joe Ebersole (US EPA)

Dr. Marta Basso (Post-doctoral Scholar)

Wildfire and Water Security.

Dr. Hyunwoo Kang (Post-doctoral Scholar)

My research focuses on characterizing soil moisture regimes in burned and unburned forests and quantifying their sensitivity to post-fire drought based on hydrological modeling. Previously, my research projects were to evaluate climate change impacts on drought and food security in many watersheds in the world based on soil moisture estimation from some hydrological models. I have studied various hydrologic model applications, remote sensing products, climate change impacts on hydrologic extreme, and drought assessment throughout my academic career.

In collaboration with Cameron Naficy (USFS)

Ryan Cole, M.S. (Faculty Research Assistant)

Wildfire and Water Security.

Kate McCredie, M.S. (Faculty Research Assistant)

My research aims to understand the effects of wildfire on nutrient and sediment transport in headwater streams by using field-based observations within western Oregon. Leveraging long-term datasets from the original Hinkle Creek Watershed Study (2001-2009), we are revisiting historic study sites impacted by the 2020 Archie Creek Fire to investigate the impact of forest harvesting, wildfire, and post-fire land management across a stream network. To help us better understand post-fire relationships between the terrestrial and aquatic environment, I am also investigating riparian soil characteristics (infiltration, hydraulic conductivity) and nutrient concentrations (nitrate, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, active carbon) across the watershed. This research will help to disentangle the effects of compound disturbances, informing land-use decisions and modeling-based approaches. I received my B.S. in Environmental Studies from Southern Oregon University in 2015 and my M.S. degree from Oregon State University in 2023. Before starting my current degree at OSU, I worked for the US Forest Service, the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Americorps, and the Student Conservation Association.

Katherine McCool (Ph.D. Candidate)

Katherine's research investigates the influences of post-fire restoration practices on soil and hydraulic functions. She recently earned her M.S. at Oregon State, where she researched post-fire soil carbon and erosion. Her PhD research will focus on understanding how different post-fire management strategies influence soil water availability, organic matter content and character, and vegetation reestablishment.

Humyra Bente Murshed (Ph.D. Candidate)

My research is focused on quantifying the effects of wildfire on the spatial and temporal dynamics of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved organic matter character.

Katie Wampler (Ph.D. Candidate)

Katie's research is focused on measuring and modeling the effects of wildfire on streamflow and water quality (e.g., DOM, turbidity) in the North Santiam and McKenzie River Basins, which were both impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Fires in Oregon. Her research will provide important insights into the downstream impacts of fire on water supply.

In collaboration with Allison Myers-Pigg (PNNL) and Tim Scheibe (PNNL)

Jansen Ivie (M.S. Candidate)

I received my B.S. from Texas Tech University in 2021. While there, I conducted a research project assessing predator-prey relationships between non-native Brown trout and several native fish species in the Jemez River Basin in the Santa Fe National Forest, NM. My research at OSU is focused on quantifying the effects of the 2020 Archie Creek Wildfire on water quality, fish habitat, and native fish populations in Hinkle Creek near Roseburg, OR. In addition, we have historical data from our study watersheds that will enable us to compare the effects from wildfire to forest harvesting.

Co-supervised by Dana Warren (OSU)

Cedric Pimont (M.S. Candidate)

I graduated from OSU in 2022 with a B.S. in BioResource Research and working on a thesis trying to understand the effects of harvest on stream nutrients, temperature, and primary productivity in redwood forests with the FEWS Lab. Now, my research is focused on trying to tease apart the effects of wildfire and catchment position on soil hydraulic properties in the Western Cascades. My sites are located in the southern Willamette National Forest in areas burned by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire and beyond.

Brenna Cody (Hydrometric Technician)

Brenna is an important member of our lab group, assisting faculty and graduate students with research, while gaining field and laboratory knowledge in forest hydrology.

India Gerhardt (Hydrometric Technician)

India is an important member of our lab group, assisting faculty and graduate students with research, while gaining field and laboratory knowledge in forest hydrology.

You?

I'm always interested in hearing from highly motivated, enthusiastic students who are quantitatively minded, field oriented, and able to develop and conduct independent scientific research. Please send me an e-mail if you're interested in joining our group.