Graduate students
Clarissa Moore. Clarissa is a PhD student in Conservation Sciences investigating wetland revegetation. This work, in collaboration with our invasive Phragmites extension program, is intended to enhance reinvasion resistance after invasive species control. Clarissa previously worked on insect cold-tolerance research in the Entomology department. She received her B.A. in Biological Sciences from Wellesley College and is the recipient of an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Abha Panda. Abha is a PhD student in Conservation Sciences conducting research on aquatic revegetation.
Stephen Smith. Steve is a PhD student in Conservation Sciences investigating impacts of the invasive species starry stonewort on natural stands of wild rice. He was a faculty member at Leech Lake Tribal College before starting his doctoral studies.
Jillian Sweet. Jill is a Master's student in Water Resources Sciences investigating the effects of alum treatment on aquatic plant communities (co-advised w/ Jake Walsh).
Michael Tuma. Mike is a Master's student in Conservation Sciences investigating the effect of small-scale hybrid cattail removals on plant diversity in lakes across Minnesota.
Research staff
Chelsey Blanke, M.S. Chelsey Blanke is a research ecologist focused on ecological restoration and invasive species. She manages the University of Minnesota Extension’s Ecological Restoration Training Co-operative and our invasive Phragmites extension and research projects. Chelsey previously worked at the Minnesota and Wisconsin natural resources departments as well as Anoka County Parks. She received her M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology.
Naomi Blinick, M.S. Naomi manages projects related to aquatic plant ecology and wild rice ecology and conservation. She was previously a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Ecological Services program in Washington D.C. She received her M.S. in Conservation Sciences investigating impacts of zebra mussels on food webs in Minnesota walleye lakes.
Alexis Kreider. Alexis works on research and extension projects related to invasive species management and ecological restoration. She previously worked at Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa and the Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division.
