• Obtain the full-length perch growth hormone (GH) cDNA.
• Clone and express the yellow perch GH mRNA in a protein expression system.
• Assay the recombinant perch GH for growth promoting activity in juvenile perch.
• Produce antibodies to the recombinant perch GH.

This project proposes to measure the economic benefit of water quality improvements by applying difference-in-difference analysis to local market outcomes in the Waukegan Harbor Area of Concern (AOC). The implementation of remediation projects in this AOC provides a unique opportunity to observe and compare affected ecosystems and economic outcomes before and after remediation. The analysis will use data on local housing market conditions and socioeconomic outcomes and the timing and location of sediment removal and habitat restoration projects in the Waukegan Harbor AOC. 

• Determine the effectiveness of the current electric barriers and proposed carbon dioxide barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System at deterring the passage of invertebrate species from a wide range of taxonomic groups
• Determine whether different voltages and frequencies of electricity affect the effectiveness of the electric barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System at deterring species passage
• Determine whether different concentrations of carbon dioxide affect the effectiveness of proposed carbon dioxide barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System at deterring species passage.

• Quantify the impacts of acute hypoxia events on fishes, using the Chicago Area Waterway System as a test environment

The main objectives of this project are to:

• Describe the population dynamics of zebra mussels in nine inland lakes (seven in Michigan, one each in Indiana and Ohio).
• Measure reproductive output, larval abundance, recruitment and adult growth adult mussel density, size distribution and availability of suitable substrata within each study lake.

Cities can be shaped to mitigate potential risks and improve the safety of citizens. However, modifying the urban setting to expand autonomous vehicle safety could negatively impact the community’s water systems health. This graduate student scholars research project aims to leverage a shift in transportation technologies, in a period of climate crisis, for the benefit and safety of people and natural systems – including water systems. This researcher will compile ideas on a multidisciplinary effort, representing different aspects of the city and diverse effects on the influence of technology in urban water systems to present a comprehensive document that questions the possible outcomes in the physical, political, and social aspects.