CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS, POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL

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Duncan Elkins, BSc Stanford University, Degree Objective: MSc-PhD. E-mail: delkins@uga.edu. Phone: 706-338-4288. Research Interests: conservation biology, fish ecology, ecological modeling.

Mark Fairbrass, BSc (Hons) Aquatic Biology, University College Of Wales, Aberystwyth 1992, PGCE Biology and Outdoor Activities, University College Of North Wales, Bangor 1995.Degree Objective: PhD (enrolled Fall 2002). E-mail: Fairbrass@alltel.net Phone: 706-542-4835.Research Interests: As an Assistant Professor of Biology at Georgia Military College my time at UGA is made possible by GMC’s Faculty Professional Development Program. This program has allowed me to take time off from teaching to work full-time on my PhD. My research will examine whether increases in suspended sediments deleteriously affect the prey-capture success, and ultimately habitat selection and population size, of several common water-column fish species. Human activities such as farming, logging and construction have caused a dramatic increase in the amount of sediment flowing in Georgia’s rivers and streams. Descriptive studies have detected an inverse correlation between fish diversity and siltation, although the mechanism producing these declines is unknown. I hope to develop an understanding of one part of the mechanistic explanation of how sediments affect fish populations. Interests: spending time with my wife, taking adventures with my sons, fishing, and drawing.

Peter Hazelton, BA, Biology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY 2001. Degree Objective: MSc. E-mail: hazeltonp@forestry.uga.edu. Phone: 706-542-5089. Research Interests: In the broad sense I am interested in stream ecology and the conservation biology of freshwater systems. In particular, my thesis will focus on two of the more common threats to native fish assemblages in the southeast: suspended sediment, and invasive species. I will investigate the effects of turbidity and interspecific competition on the foraging behavior of native and invasive water column minnows from Coweeta Creek, NC. I have also been involved in other projects in the Grossman lab that focus on the effects of stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss ) on populations and behavioral ecology of native minnows. Other Interests: whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and playing Frisbee with my dog.