Karen Simpson

I am a graduate student in the Environmental Sciences PhD Program at Wright State University. I am originally from Rochester, NY and have a BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from Niagara University (in Niagara Falls, NY). My prior research has involved aquatic ecology of invasive zooplankton, molecular ecology of invasive and hybrid plants and fish, and the effects of environmental stressors to biological organisms in rivers and streams. My current research looks at and compares dynamics within aquatic ecosystems by analyzing dissolved oxygen (an important water qulaity parameter) fluctuations over time in different environments (lakes, rivers, streams and estuaries).

I am very interested in improving water quality since clean water is such a valuable resource, and the amount of drinkable freshwater in the world is slowly diminishing.

My hope in attending the CSSS at SFI is to meet other individuals who are also interested in similar research, but also to learn about how complex systems (of all kinds) are studied.

When I'm not working on solving the world's drinking water crisis, you can find me playing in the water, walking my dogs, training for triathlons or playing volleyball. I look forward to CSSS 2009.