Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson — Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson’s focus is on freshwater ecology, with research areas in fisheries, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). Many recent projects have concentrated on the impact of Round Gobies (an invasive fish) on native species. She strives to include community partners and students in her research, which leads to more comprehensive projects with results better communicated to both scientists and those living within the watershed.
Dr. Kelly Pearce — With a focus on wildlife conservation, Dr. Kelly Pearce has experience working with a variety of species, including river otters, spotted skunks, and bats. Her research focuses on how environmental, social, and policy factors influence wildlife populations and species distributions. She also strives to better understand approaches that mitigate conflict and encourage coexistence between people and wildlife.
Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson with a mudpuppy at one of the WCRC habitat restoration sites
Dr. Kelly Pearce hanging out with smooth coated otters in Singapore
Staff
Dr. Mark Kirk, Research Scientist — Dr. Mark Kirk has broad interests in freshwater ecology, with a particular focus on the impacts of global change. He studies how climate change, invasive species, land use alteration, and flow regime changes interact to influence the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems. His research strives to help inform management, conservation, policy, and decision-making on aquatic natural resources.
Meredith Barney, M.S., Assistant Research Scientist – Meredith loves to take students out and perform meaningful research that works to protect the French Creek Watershed. She has a specific interest in monitoring invasive and endangered species. Her goal is to continue with higher education and pursue a master’s degree in fisheries biology.
Chris Shaffer, GIS Coordinator — Chris Shaffer is the GIS Manager and Instructor for the Environmental Science and Sustainability (ESS) department at Allegheny College. He specializes in the use of geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing and image processing, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to help solve problems and support decisions that impact the French Creek Watershed and beyond.
Dr. Mark Kirk, holding a brown trout, after a day of electrofishing
Meredith Barney holds our state amphibian, the hellbender.
Ready for take off! Chris Shaffer with a drone on the campus of Allegheny College
