Biology Professor David Richardson will explore the health of lakes with National Science Foundation grant

Biology Professor David Richardson is part of a team of collaborators that recently received a $2.5 million, five-year grant from the National Science Foundation, which will enable continuation of Richardson’s extensive body of research into the effects of climate change on lake ecology and freshwater resources. 

The grant will support a project with a team of water quality researchers led by University of Missouri professor Rebecca North, who will examine how warming temperatures and shorter winters can influence the growth and toxicity of lake algae. Much like other projects in Richardson’s lab, this project will also connect to undergraduate research with New Paltz students.

“I am really excited to work with this amazing group of collaborators on a project of this extent,” said Richardson. “This will allow our undergraduates researchers at SUNY New Paltz to be connected to other scientists across the U.S. and around the world.” 

They’ll collect wintertime samples from many U.S. freshwater bodies, including New Paltz’s Mohonk Lake, in hopes of filling a gap of measurement data taken during the coldest months of the year. The ultimate goal is to use predictive modeling to project how changing climates may continue to affect underwater ecosystems.  

“Climate change predictions for our region include warmer winters with more rain and rain-on-snow,” said Richardson. “This will change the ice cover and subsequently, the biological communities. Ultimately that will affect the goods and services we get from lakes.”

For students, the National Science Foundation grant provides enrichment opportunities to expand their scientific curiosity beyond the classroom.

Student researchers will receive funding throughout the semester and summers. Additionally, the grant will fund five years of annual meetings of the northeast chapter of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), which will include professional lake scientists and undergraduate researchers across SUNY campuses and other universities.

At these meetings, participants are able to share current research, help undergraduate students get involved in the collaborative, grassroots-oriented scientific process, and brainstorm new ideas for research projects.

Furthermore, this NSF project will take advantage of the multitude of natural bodies of water available in the region and within driving distance of campus. The project will further reinforce regional partnerships with the organizations like the Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House. These partners have been responsible for the original collection and curation of long-term data for Mohonk Lake, including a 92-year record of the timing of ice formation and melting.    

Students can visit the Department of Biology or Richardson’s website for more information about applied research opportunities.