Laura S. Craig

Advisor: Dr. Margaret Palmer

Previous Education:
B.S. Biology Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA

Research Interests:
I am studying in-stream nutrient processing in rapidly urbanizing watersheds. My goal is to identify stream characteristics (hydrological regimes, substrate type, organic matter availability, water quality, etc.) that control nitrate removal in headwater streams. I am also interested in understanding how land-based best management practices (stormwater management) and stream corridor restoration projects can help to reduce loading of nitrogen to downstream ecosystems.

Location of Research:
Upper Potomac (sub-watershed: Lower Monocacy) and Middle Potomac (sub-watersheds: Potomac River-Montgomery County, Little Seneca) Tributary Watersheds, northwest Montgomery County, Maryland

Publications
Laura S. Craig, Margaret A. Palmer, David C. Richardson, Solange Filoso, Emily S. Bernhardt, Brian P. Bledsoe, Martin W. Doyle, Peter M. Groffman, Brooke  Hassett, Sujay S. Kaushal, Paul M. Mayer, Sean M. Smith, and Peter R. Wilcock. 2009.  Stream restoration strategies for reducing river nitrogen loads.  Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, DOI: 10.1890/070080, Available on-line at www.frontiersinecology.org; expected print publication date: February 2009

Laura S. Craig.  2008.  A Backyard Rain Garden: When it rains, it stores.  Groundwork: A publication of the Landscape Contractors Association of MD-DC-VA.  April 2008.

Holly L. Menninger, Margaret A. Palmer, Laura S. Craig, and David C. Richardson. Periodical cicada detritus impacts stream ecosystem function.  Ecosystems, in press.

Funding Sources:
Ann G. Wylie Graduate Fellowship, 2008
EPA-NCER-STAR Research Assistantship, 2006-07

Awards:
Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Award, 2008
Entomology Student Organization Travel Award, 2008
Entomology Student Organization Travel Award, 2007
Graduate School Travel Award, 2006
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Teaching and Learning Fellow, 2003-05
Distinguished Teaching Assistant, Center for Teaching Excellence, 2003-04
Allen L. Steinhauer Award for Excellence in Teaching, Dept. of Entomology, 2002-03
Outstanding Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Biology, 2002-03