Biology graduate students, faculty present at NALMS conference

SUNY Fredonia’s Department of Biology was well represented at the annual symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), with presentations given by graduate students and a faculty member.

“The students really enjoyed the opportunity to learn and interact with others in the field of lake science and management,” said Department of Biology Associate Professor Courtney Wigdahl-Perry. “It is a slightly unusual meeting in that it is not strictly research-focused, but explores a lot of the applications of science and the human element of resource management.”

Promoting the exchange of lake and reservoir management science, producing material for the organization’s publications and providing a rare opportunity for face-to-face contact and networking, as well as an opportunity to recognize excellence in the field of lake and reservoir management, are among goals of the annual conferences.

I was able to meet and chat with experts in various fields and begin my own professional network with other people who are interested in the same areas of science that I am. The conference also provided me with new ideas and interests that will help drive my future work both here at Fredonia and beyond.” – Kameron Finch

Some 450 participants – reflecting a wide mix of academics, government agency researchers, management experts, non-profits, lake organizations and industry professionals – attended the 2023 conference, held Oct. 23-25 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA.

Kasey Crandall, a candidate for an M.S. in Biology, from Stockton, NY, gave a poster presentation, “Spatial Patterns of Thermal Stratification and Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in Chautauqua Lake.” 

The poster presentation by Kameron Finch, a candidate for the Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Biology, from Kennedy, NY, was “Diatom Assemblage Changes Through Time: Potential for Exploring Past Environmental Conditions at Chautauqua Lake.”

Mr. Finch described the conference as “terrific,” providing an opportunity to learn about all sorts of different science that is actively going on around the world. “I was able to meet and chat with experts in various fields and begin my own professional network with other people who are interested in the same areas of science that I am,” he explained. “The conference also provided me with new ideas and interests that will help drive my future work both here at Fredonia and beyond.”

Autumn Fisher, who earned a B.S. in Biology in 2022, formerly of Delevan, NY, was a co-author of the presentation given by Finch that included results of Ms. Fisher’s undergraduate research and senior capstone projects. Fisher, who served as a consultant following graduation, does salmon conservation work for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dr. Wigdahl-Perry’s presentation, “Drone-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) surveillance of shoreline blooms: developing ground truthing datasets from multiple bloom metrics,” addressed the need to improve the understanding of harmful algal bloom dynamics in freshwater lakes, especially along shoreline areas where blooms accumulate and human activities are concentrated.

Hyperspectral imaging equipment and systems, along with drones, were utilized to image blooms on three different dates in Wigdahl-Perry’s project. The research revealed that, with careful examination of the recorded bloom parameters, phytoplankton community structures and field conditions, the techniques utilized by Wigdahl-Perry showed strong potential for future applications in understanding spatial harmful algal bloom dynamics in inland lakes.

Wigdahl-Perry’s presentation also included analysis of drone flight data compiled by Marc Choi, who was awarded an M.S. in Biology in the summer of 2023. Other students in Wigdahl-Perry’s research lab also assisted with data collection in the field and the processing of samples in the lab.

Visiting Research Professor Allison Hyrcik presented results from summer experiments undertaken by sophomore Biology major Sydney Hawkins of Ripley, NY, who also attended the conference. Ms. Hawkins is a co-author of Dr. Hyrcik’s presentation, “Seasonal patterns of synchrony between pelagic and benthic attached algal communities.”

Hawkins recognizes the conference as an experience in learning how modern aquatic research is being conducted in different lake systems across North America. “It was enriching to be a part of these environmental discussions alongside professionals who were openly passionate and highly knowledgeable in their particular field,” she said.

Finch and Hawkins indicated they are grateful for financial support from endowments in the Fredonia College Foundation that enabled them to attend the conference.

Through events such as the symposium, students gain valuable networking opportunities in the world of lake science and resource management and also practice their communication skills as they present their posters to a diverse range of scientists, resource managers and community members, Wigdahl-Perry explained.

Wigdahl-Perry is a member of the NALMS program committee that develops session topics, plenary and talks/posters for annual conferences. She has attended three NALMS symposiums since joining the organization in 2019.

Financial support for the SUNY Fredonia contingent’s participation at the symposium was provided by the Holmberg Foundation and the Joseph and Jane (Schuster) Falcone Biology Endowment for Scholarship and Research, both through the Fredonia College Foundation.

The mission of NALMS is to forge partnerships among citizens, scientists and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs.