A current focus of my research is forecasting the potential distributions of invasive species in the Great Lakes. These species included current invaders like Eurasian ruffe and potential future invaders such as the golden mussel, (Limnoperna fortunei) and killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus). I am using a combination of parametric and non-parametric models, including application of novel machine learning approaches. In addition to commonly considered climatic predictors the forecasts integrate extensive spatial data on Great Lakes habitat. The species distribution models form one piece of a broader project encompassing ecological and economic impacts of aquatic invaders of the Great Lakes.
I have an opening for a Master’s student to use the newly available Great Lakes spatial data to study the current and future distribution of multiple species that have already entered the Great Lakes. These include Eurasian ruffe and dreissenid mussels. See the post on the front page.