For this project, crayfish samples, water samples, and sediment samples will be collected in several creeks in the Little Calumet-Galien Watershed representing a variety of environmental exposures. The environmental interactions of crayfish as omnivores and biotic engineers place them in a unique environmental niche. We hypothesize that these characteristics make them a reliable sentinel species. By testing and comparing the bioaccumulation of metals in crayfish tissue, water, and sediments, to dominant species, average crayfish size, and population density, we can reliably predict creek health for metals.

Through this graduate student scholars project, I will expand the impact of my research using habitat suitability modeling (HSM) to map the distribution of Illinois wetland rare plant species and assess their vulnerability to climate change. Using HSM, I will determine the required niche conditions for two species, Epilobium strictum and Rhynchospora alba and identify locations of suitable habitat in Illinois. To evaluate the accuracy of my models, I will conduct field monitoring of all known populations, as well as sites designated as suitable by the models to potentially discover new populations. The monitoring data collected will be added to the HSM, which I will use to test the possible response of these species to predicted climate scenarios. Rare plant conservation efforts require informed climate strategies to implement urgently-needed species protections and prevent unnecessary climate extinctions. 

• To measure the economic benefits of tourism-based activities for the Grand Calumet River Waukegan Harbor Areas of Concern following cleanup and restoration.
• To identify socioeconomic benefits of community revitalization through increased jobs due to robust growth in the tourism sector.
• To test whether gentrification or preference-based sorting predominates restoration and remediation incentives in contrast to a more stable resident population.
• To engage in outreach with local stakeholders and communicate findings on economic benefits of environmental projects.