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VCR LTER Student Theses and Dissertations

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2024


LaRoche, C.Understanding variability and drivers of seawater inorganic carbonate chemistry across temperate nearshore marine systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic.
Ph.D Dissertation,University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Scott Doney, 2024

Rubin, Emily Victoria Salt Marsh Migration into Abandoned Agricultural Fields and the Role of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos in Ecosystem Transition.
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Linda Blum, 2024

Hardison, Sean Coastal fish dynamics across scales: roles of warming and restoration, and interactions with fisheries.
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Max Castorani, 2024

2023

Tassone, S.J.Quantifying Heatwaves and Seagrass Recovery Dynamics in Aquatic Ecosystems,
Ph.D Dissertation,University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. 2023

Brahmey, E. Exploring Spatial and Temporal Differences Between High and Low Frequency Water Quality Data in Coastal Virginia,
M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Scott Doney, 2023

Martinez-Soto, Kayla Shanice "Impacts Of Minuca Pugnax On Ecosystem Functioning In Its Historical And Expanded Range" Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. William & Mary. Paper 1686662818.
M.S. Thesis, William & Mary Advisor: David Johnson, 2023

Tedford, KinseyRestoring and sustaining oyster reefs: drivers of spatial dynamics in oyster populations
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Max Castorani, 2023

2022

Ezra Jay Kottler "Genotype by Environment Interactions of a High Marsh Foundation Species Affected by Sea-level Rise"
Ph.D Dissertation, George Washington University. Advisors: Keryn Gedan, 2022 (Note - link goes to site that requires a login).

Elizabeth Bieri Evaluating Coastal Protection Benefits of Restored Oyster Reef Designs
MS Thesis, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisors: Matthew Reidenbach & Patricia Wiberg, 2022

Qingguang Zhu Sediment Connectivity in the Coupled Tidal Flat-Seagrass-Marsh System
Ph.D dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Patricia Wiberg, 2022

Serina Sebilian WittynghamSpartina Alterniflora Defense Against Herbivory
Ph.D Dissertation, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA. Advisor: David S. Johnson, 2022

Emily M. Goetz Invertebrates in a Migrating Salt Marsh
M.S. Thesis, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA. Advisor: David S. Johnson, 2022

Brianna Christine IngramThe Role of Spartina patens on U.S. Atlantic Dunes and Beaches: A Review, Examples from the North Carolina Coast, and Implications for Dune Building and Recovery. University of North Carolinia, Chapel Hill, NC. Advisor: Laura J. Moore, 2022

Ieva JuskaExamining Metabolism in Seagrass Meadows: Trends in Respiration and Non-Dissolved Gas Ebullition
M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Peter Berg, 2022

Elise TurriettaThe effects of seagrass edges on hydrodynamic conditions, sediment transport, and bivalve recruitment
M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Advisor: Matt Reidenbach, 2022

Charles Tabor, Jr.Reflectance and Emittance Spectra of Intimately Mixed and Layered Media.
Ph.D Dissertation, Rochester Institute of Technology. Advisors: Charles Bachmann and A.C. Tyler, 2022

Avery MillerImpacts of Spatial Resolution and Viewing Angle on Remotely Sensed Estimates of Spartina alterniflora Aboveground Biomass.
M.S. Thesis, Rochester Institute of Technology. Advisors: A.C. Tyler amd Charles Bachmann. 2022

2021

Ian R.B. ReevesControls on Sediment Exchange and Connectivity in Coastal Barrier Systems and Implications for Long-Term Evolution
Ph.D Dissertation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, . Advisor: Laura Moore, 2021

Sara HoganQuantifying the Distributions and Ecosystem Services of Oyster Reefs within Virginia's Coastal Bays
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, . Advisor: Matthew Reidenbach, 2021

Amelie C. Berger Long-term aquatic eddy covariance measurements of seagrass metabolism and ecosystem response to warming oceans
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, . Advisor: Peter Berg, 2020

Joseph BrownPlant communities in dynamic systems: how disturbance influences coastal plant community structure and function.
Ph.D Dissertation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2021

Lauren Wood- The Mechanisms and Consequences of Shrub Encroachment on the Virginia Barrier Islands
Ph.D Dissertation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2021


2020

Jesus Ruiz-PlancarteCarbon dioxide exchange between the atmosphere and a temperate salt marsh.
Ph.D Dissertation, Penn. State University, State College, PA. Advisor: Jose Fuentes, 2020

Shannon WalkerBelowground characteristics of dominant coastal dune grasses and potential community-level effects on coastal erosion.
M.S. Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2020

Nicole KellerStimulated growth response to sand burial of a coastal shrub.
M.S. Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2020

Xiaohe ZhangExploring sediment dynamics in coastal bays by numerical modeling and remote sensing
Ph.D Dissertation, Boston University, Boston, MA. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, 2020

Christina Fantasia-Buscher,The Effect of Increasing Acidity and Temperature on an Early Life Stage Crustacean, Callinectes Sapidus. 178 pages.
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia. Charlottesville, VA. December 2020. Advisor: Stephen Macko, 2020

Daniel J. ColemanThe Role Of Suspended Sediment In Assessing Coastal Wetland Vulnerability
Ph.D dissertation, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William and Mary. Advisor: Matt Kirwan, 2020

Erin L.Heller Factors affecting Western Atlantic red knots (Calidris canutus rufa) and their prey during spring migration on Virginia's barrier islands.
Ph.D dissertation, Virginia Tech. 255 pages. Advisor: Sarah Karpanty, 2020

Jessica Flester Mainland Seaside Salt Marsh Response and Resilience to Sea-Level Rise on The Eastern Shore of Virginia, USA.
M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia. Charlottesville, VA. 157 pages. August 2020. Advisor: Linda Blum, 2020

Philip A. Tuley Comparing coastal storm impact to decadal change in barrier island ecosystems.
M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2020
Zhang, Xiaohe "Exploring sediment dynamics in coastal bays by numerical modeling and remote sensing"
Ph.D Dissertation. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2020.


2019

Martin VolaricOxygen Exchange and Hydrodynamics of Tidal Flat Ecosystems Along the Virginia, USA Coast
Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, . Advisor: Peter Berg and Matthew Reidenbach, 2019

Audrey Kirschner Planting Density Effects on the Growth of Dune Grasses.
M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2019

Besterman, Alice Macroalgal Distribution and Impacts on Intertidal Flats, With Emphasis on the Exotic Species Agarophyton Vermiculophyllum.
Ph.D, University of Virginia. Advisor: Michael Pace, 2019

Sinclair, Michael N. Facilitative and competitive tradeoffs between Morella cerifera seedlings and coastal grasses.
M.S. Thesis Virginia Commonweath University. Advisor: Julie Zinnert, 2019

Kristin B. Raub Coastal Adaptation to Sea Level Rise: Effects of Residential Proximity to the Coast, Climate Change Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Government for Valuing Ecosystem Outcomes.
M.S. Thesis University of Connecticut. Advisor: Stephen Swallow, 2019

Sarah GoldsmithDecadal Changes in Salt Marsh Succession and Assessing Salt Marsh Vulnerability using High-Resolution Hyperspectral Imagery
M.S. Thesis, Rochester Institute of Technology. Advisors: A.C. Tyler amd Charles Bachmann. 2019


2018

Williams, Bethany LynnThe Role of Ecological Interactions in Saltmarsh Geomorphic Processes M.S. Thesis
Advisor: David S. Johnson, College of William & Mary, 2018.

Murphy, Elizabeth Marine Biofluidics in Benthic and Naval Systems. Ph.D dissertation
Advisor: Matthew Reidenbach, University of Virginia, 2018.

Ferguson, Amy Evaluating Nature-Based Solutions to Storm Wave Impacts in the Virginia Coast Reserve.
M.S. Thesis Advisor: Patricia Wiberg, University of Virginia, 2018.

Aoki, Lillian Seagrass as a Coastal Filter: Investigating the Role of Seagrass Meadows in Mediating Nitrogen Cycling in Shallow Coastal Lagoons.
Ph.D dissertation Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2018.

Oreska, Matthew. Blue Carbon Benefits of Seagrass Restoration.
Ph.D Dissertation Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2018.
Kearney, William S. "Signals of nonlinear, multiscale and stochastic processes in coastal landscapes"
Ph.D Dissertation. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2018.


2017

Schieder, Nathalie "Reconstructing Coastal Forest Retreat and Marsh Migration Response to Historical Sea Level Rise" (2017).
Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. William & Mary. Paper 1516639691. Advisor: Matt Kirwan, William & Mary, 2017.
Yue, Ian T. "Coastal Protection, Environmental Change, and the Heterogeneity of Preferences: A Case Study of the Eastern Shore of Virginia" (2017).
Master's Thesis. 1066. Advisor: Stephen Swallow, University of Connecticut, 2017.
Palazzoli, Irene "Identification of the most effective factors responsible for the flushing of a tracer in a system of shallow bays"
Master's Thesis. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2017.
Fernandes, Arnold "The impact of extreme storm surges on Mid-Atlantic coastal forests."
Master's Thesis. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2017.


2016

Joseph Brown Emergent interactions influence functional traits and success of dune building ecosystem engineers
MS Thesis. Advisor: Julie Zinnert and Don Young, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016.

April Harris Differential responses of barrier island dune grasses to species interactions and burial
MS Thesis. Advisor: Julie Zinnert and Don Young, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016.

Joseph Thompson Mechanisms of native shrub encroachment on a Virginia barrier island
MS Thesis. Advisor: Julie Zinnert and Don Young, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016.


2015

Matthew L. Smith Groundwater Thresholds for Root Decomposition and the Relation to Barrier Island Ecological State Changes
MS Thesis. Advisor: Frank Day, Old Dominion University, 2015.

Kyle Emery Coastal bivalve aquaculture carbon cycling, spatial distribution and resource use in Virginia, USA and Baja California, Mexico.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Mike Pace, University of Virginia, 2015.

Emily C. Adams Blue carbon in freshwater / brackish marshes on the barrier islands of Virginia: Aboveground net primary productivity and carbon pools.
MS Thesis. Advisor: F. Day, Biology, Old Dominion University, 2015.

Theo Jass Environmental controls on the growth of dune-building grasses and the effect of plant morphology on coastal foredune formation.
MS Thesis. Advisor: L. Moore, University of North Carolina, 2015.

Nathan M. Sedghi Blue carbon in coastal freshwater/brackish marshes on the barrier islands of Virginia: Belowground carbon dynamics
MS Thesis. Advisor: F. Day, Biology, Old Dominion University, 2015.

Sherer B. Ethridge Hydrogeomorphology and horizontal movement of Juncus roemerianus
MS Thesis. Advisor: R. Christian, East Carolinia University, 2015.

Talia Dibbell Burns Spartina alterniflora Responses to Flooding in Two Salt Marshes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Linda Blum, University of Virginia, 2015.

Janet Walker Genetic Diversity and Spatial Structure of Spartina alterniflora at Four Spatial Scales
Distinguished Major Thesis. Advisor: Linda Blum, University of Virginia, 2015.


2014

Ross Timmerman Biophysical Controls on Sediment Suspension in a Shallow Coastal Bay.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Mathew Reidenbach, University of Virginia, 2014.

Alia N. Al-Haj Sustainable seagrass restoration in the Virginia coastal bays.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2014.

Benjamin Dows Roles of seed dispersal and environmental filters in establishment of the dominant shrubs: Morella cerifera and M. pensylvanica, on an Atlantic barrier island
MS Thesis. Advisor: Don Young, Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014.

Melissa S. Duvall The Effects of Waves and Tidal Inundation on Sediment Deposition and Flux across a Bay-Marsh Boundary
MS Thesis. Advisor: Pat Wiberg, University of Virginia, 2014.

Emily L. Thomas Influence of Zostera marina on Wave Dynamics, Sediment Suspension, and Bottom Boundary Layer Development within a Shallow Coastal Bay. MS. Thesis.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Matthew Reidenbach, University of Virginia, 2014.

Anne E Dunkel N2O Production and Removal in Streambed Sediments: Understanding Physicochemical Influences on N2O Fluxes from Agricultural Streams on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
MS Thesis. Advisor: Aaron Mills, University of Virginia, 2014.


2013

Sara R. Taube Impacts of fringing oyster reefs on wave attenuation and marsh erosion rates
MS Thesis. Advisor: Pat Wiberg, University of Virginia, 2013.

Dana J. Gulbransen Gracilaria vermiculophylla in the Virginia coastal bays: Documenting the distribution and effects of a non-native species.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2013.

David Walters Overwash deposition increases backbarrier marsh resiliency to sea level rise: insights from a coupled barrier island-marsh model.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Laura Moore, University of North Carolina, 2013.

Jennie E. Rheuban Oxygen metabolism in restored eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) meadows measured by eddy correlation
MS Thesis. Advisor: Peter Berg & Karen McGlather, Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 2013. M.S. Thesis

Sheri Shiflett Physiological mechanisms of shrub encroachment: linking enhanced hydraulic capacity to efficient light capture and processing
Ph.D Dissertation. Advisor: Don Young & Julie Zinnert, Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013.

Molly Hokkanen Environmental influences on sex ratio and spatial distribution of dioecious Morella cerifera L. on a Virginia barrier island.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Don Young, Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013.

Dirk J. Koopmans Stream metabolism and groundwater discharge to coastal waters: Applications of the eddy correlation technique.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Peter Berg, University of Virginia, 2013.

Dana Gulbransen Gracilaria vermiculophylla in the Virginia Coastal Bays: Documenting the Distribution and Effects of a Non-Native Species.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2013.

Anthony M. Priestas The role of wind waves on salt marsh morphodynamics.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2013.

Giulio Mariotti Morphodynamics of shallow coastal bays.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2013.

Jennifer C. R. Hansen The effects of waves and turbulence on sediment suspension and mixing within seagrass ecosystems.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Matthew Reidenbach, University of Virginia, 2013.

Jennifer M. Johnson. Geomorphic consequences of wave climate alteration along cuspate coastlines.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Laura Moore, University of North Carolina, 2013.

Jill Greiner Assessing the importance of seagrass restoration to "blue carbon" sequestration in shallow coastal waters
MS Thesis. Advisor: K. Mcglathery, University of Virginia, 2013.

George S. McFadden Streambed Sediments of Virginia Eastern Shore Streams are Poised for Pore-Water Dentrification.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Janet Herman & Aaron Mills, University of Virginia, 2013.

Tammy L. Viggato The effect of evaporation and nutrient enrichment on the erodability of mudflats in a mesotidal estuary.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Sergio Fagherazzi, Boston University, 2013.


2012

Laura K. Reynolds. Genetic diversity and structure of natural and restored seagrass meadows on the Eastern Shore of Virginia: Causes and ecological consequences.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2012.

Rachel E. Michaels. Interactions amoung flood regime, sediment type and bioturbation within salt marsh systems in the context of relative sea-level rise.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Jay Zieman, University of Virginia, 2012.

Dana J. Oster. The Influence of Morphology on Earner Island Recovery Following: Storms: Insights from the Virginia Barrier Islands* Mid-Atlantic Bight, USA
MS Thesis. Advisor: Laura Moore, University of Virginia, 2012.

Dominic J. Graziani Thresholds of change in decomposition rate along a dune/swale transect on a Virginia barrier island.
MS Thesis. Advisor: F. Day, Biology, Old Dominion University, 2012.

Owen T. Brenner. The Complex Influences of Backbarrier Deposition, Substrate Slope and Underlying Stratigraphy in Barrier Island Response to Sea Level Rise: Insights from the Virginia Barrier Islands, Mid-Atlantic Bight, U.S.A.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Laura Moore, University of Virginia, 2012.

Elizabeth C. Smith Incentive Mechanisms and the Provision of Public Goods: Testing Alternative Frameworks to Supply Ecosystem Restoration
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Stephen Swallow, University of Rhode Island, 2012.

Kelly L. Hondula Using multiple stable isotopes including deuterium to trace organic matter in a complex near-shore lagoon
MS Thesis. Advisor: Michael Pace, University of Virginia, 2012.


2011

Jaclyn Vick Woody encroachment mechanisms of a symbiotic n-fixing shrub: Ecophysiology, facilitation, and resource use efficiency.
Ph.D Dissertation. Advisor: Don Young, Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011.

Luke William Cole Inputs and fluxes of nitrogen in the Virginia coastal bays: Effects of newly-restored seagrasses on the nitrogen cycle
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2011.

Joel A. Carr Stability and Resilience of Seagrasses in Shallow Coastal Bays
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2011.

Charles E. Clarkson The Use of Novel Biomarkers in Waterbird Biology.
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Michael Erwin, University of Virginia, 2011.
Available only to UVA at the request of the author.

Elizabeth R. Whitman Hydrodynamics affecting larval transport and settlement onto intertidal oyster reefs.
MS Thesis. Advisor:Matt Reidenbach, University of Virginia, 2011.

Elizabeth Kost Changes in leaf morphology, photosynthesis and nitrogen content in two coastal shrubs.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Donald Young, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011.

Catherine Wallace Vaccaro Wolner Ecomorphodynamic feedbacks and barrier island evolution, Virginia Coast Reserve, USA
MS Thesis. Advisor:Laura Moore, University of Virginia, 2011.

Clara S. Funk Factors contributing to spatial variability of N2O fluxes in a Virginia salt marsh.
MS Thesis. Advisor:Todd Scanlon, University of Virginia, 2011.

Christopher Olcott Impacts of Nitrogen Addition on the Monthly Above- and Belowground Production of Spartina alternijlora in a Virginia Marsh
Advisor:Linda Blum, Undergraduate Thesis. University of Virginia, 2011.


2010

Paul G. Probasco Riparian Buffer Landscape Effects on Groundwater Flow Paths and Nitrate Occurrences in Groundwater near Streams of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Janet Herman, University of Virginia, May 2010

Sean M. McLoughlin Erosional processes along salt marsh edges on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
MS Thesis. Advisors: Patricia Wiberg & Karen McGlathery, University of Virginia, 2010.

Justin Shafer Interisland variability of dune plant community structure on Virginia's barrier islands.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Frank Day, Old Dominion University, 2010.

Stephanie Anne Harbeson An investigation of nutrient transfer in a restored eelgrass, Zostera marina, meadow
Ph.D dissertation. Advisor: Stephen Macko, University of Virginia, 2010.

Staci Blecha Inter-island variability in above and belowground plant biomass in interior marshes on the Virginia barrier islands.
MS Thesis. Advisor: Frank Day, Old Dominion University, 2010.


2009

Christine M. Voss Responses of dominant marsh macrophytes to inundation and disturbance and assessing marsh ecosystem services.
Advisor:Robert Christian. Ph.D Dissertation, East Carolina University, 2009.

Amber K. Hardison Interactions between macroalgae and the sediment microbial community: Nutrient cycling within shallow coastal bays
Advisors:Iris Anderson and Elizabeth Canuel. Ph.D Dissertation, College of William & Mary, 2009.

Samuel Austin Flewelling Nitrogen Storage and Removal in Catchments on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
Advisor:Aaron Mills. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2009.

Thomas A. Szuba, Jr. An Interdisciplinary Model of the Natural-Human System on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (1880 and 1920): The Implications of Selected Technology and Socio- Economic Factors on System Dynamics.
Advisors: Hank Shugart & Stephen Macko . Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2009.

Steven T. Brantley Consequences of shrub encroachment: linking changes in canopy structure to shifts in the resource environment.
Advisor: Donald Young. Ph.D Dissertation, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009.

Thomas Jan Mozdzer Variation in the availability and utilization of dissolved organic nitrogen by the smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora.
Advisors Jay Zieman, Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2009.

Patricia Willis The effect of hydroperiod on surface elevation and sediment accumulation in Philips Creek Salt Marsh, Virginia, USA. MA thesis. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Advisor: Linda Blum. M.A. Thesis, University of Virginia, 2009.

Travis Robertson Spatial patterns of bacterial abundance in a seagrass restoration site on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (USA).
Advisor: Linda Blum. M.A. Thesis, University of Virginia, 2009.

Wendy Marie Robertson Diurnal Variations in Nitrate Concentrations in the Cobb Mill Creek, VA. PDF file
Advisors Janet Herman & Aaron Mills. M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, 2009.

Juliette Christina Poleto Giordano Nutrient Loading and System Response in the Coastal Lagoons of the Delmarva Peninsula. PDF file
Advisor: Mark J. Brush & Iris C. Anderson. M.S. Thesis, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, 2009.

Michael J. O'Connell Ecohydrology of Delmarva Peninsula barrier island forests and the application of lidar to measure and monitor forest structure. PDF file
Advisor: H. Shugart Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2009.


2008

Spencer Nathaniel Bissett. Avian dispersal of the actinomycete Frankia across a barrier island landscape.
Advisor: Donald Young. MS Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008.

Loreto Herraiz Gomez Spatial analyses and repletion of Gargathy coastal lagoon. PDF file
Advisor: George Oertel M.S. Thesis, Old Dominion University, 2008.

Andrew C. Hume Dissolved oxygen fluxes and ecosystem metabolism in an eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadow measured with the novel eddy correlation technique. PDF file
Advisor: Peter Berg & Karen McGlathery. M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, 2008.

Sarah E. Lawson Physical and biological controls on sediment and nutrient fluxes in a temperate lagoon. PDF file
Advisor: Pat Wiberg & Karen McGlathery. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2008.

Julie C. Naumann Linking physiological responses, chlorophyll fluorescence and hyperspectral imagery to detect environmental stress in coastal plants. PDF file
Advisor: Donald Young. Ph.D Dissertation, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008.

Sheri Shiflett Avian seed dispersal on Virginia barrier islands: potential influence on vegetation community structure and patch dynamics. PDF file
Advisor: Donald Young. MS Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008.

James C. Kathilankal Carbon and Energy Flow Dynamics in a Coastal Salt Marsh . PDF file
Advisor: Jose Fuentes. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2008.


2007

Gina Marie Casciano Soil fungal community patterns in a Virginia salt marsh.
Advisors: Linda Blum M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia, 2007.

Chuanhui Gu Hydrological Control on Nitrate Delivery through the Groundwater-Surface Water Interface. PDF file
Advisors: Aaron Mills, Janet Herman & George Hornberger. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia, 2007.

Joel Martin A test of conditioned food aversion to control raccoon predation on the eggs of ground-nesting shorebird species on the barrier islands of Virginia. PDF file
Advisor: Raymond Dueser. MS Thesis, Utah State University, 2007.

Jeremy D. Fennell Phragmites australis patch characteristics in relation to watershed landcover patterns on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. PDF file
Advisor: Donald Young. MS Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008.

Jaclyn Kimber Vick Corticular photosynthetic dynamics for a coastal evergreen shrub: Myrica cerifera. PDF file
Advisor: Donald Young. MS Thesis, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008.

Brett A. McMillan Plant assemblage structure on barrier island "pimple" dunes at the Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research site. PDF file
Advisor: Frank Day. Ph.D Dissertation, Old Dominion University, December 2007.

Amanda Lynn Floyd PDF file
Effects of Inundation Regime and Plant Community on Soil Bacterial Communities in an Eastern Shore, VA Salt Marsh. Advisor: L.K. Blum. M.S. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia. May 2007.

Amie Aguiar PDF file
Social and physical influences on wading bird foraging patch selection. Advisor: Dr. R.M. Erwin M.S. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia. January 2007.

Amanda C. Marsh PDF file
Effects on a salt marsh ecosystem following a brown marsh event. Advisor: Dr. R. Christian M.S. Thesis, East Carolina University. January 2007.


2006


2005

Steven T. Brantley PDF file
Seasonal and spatial variation in leaf area index, litter production and light levels in Myrica cerifera shrub thickets across a barrier island chronosequence. Advisor: D. Young. Virginia Commonwealth University. July 2005.

Bo Dame PDF file
Evaluation of ecological network analysis for ecosystem-based management. Advisor: Dr. Robert R. Christian. Ph.D. Program in Coastal Resources Management, East Carolina University. December 2005.

Thomas J. Mozder PDF file
Utilization of dissolved organic nitrogen by the macrophytes Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis Advisor: Jay Zieman, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. May 2005.

Jaime Fuest PDF file
Spatial and temporal variaions in dune vegetation, orthopteran abundance, and herbivory damage on a Virginia Barrier Island. Advisor: Donald Young, Virginia Commonwealth University. April 2005


2004

Rachel E. Michaels PDF file
The effects of Uca pugnax on pore water biochemistry in a Spartina alternifora salt marsh. Advisor: Jay Zieman, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. May 2004.

Diane Barnes PDF file
Use of benthic macroinvertebrates to assess impacts of agricultural land use in nontidal coastal plain streams. Advisors: K. McGlathery and Jay Zieman, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). August 2004.

Sarah Elizabeth Lawson PDF file
Sediment suspension as a control on light availability in a coastal lagoon. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. K. McGlathery, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). January 2004.

Mads Solgaard Thomsen PDF file
Macroalgal distribution patterns and ecological performances in a tidal coastal lagoon, with emphasis on the non-indigenous Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. K. McGlathery, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). August 2004.

Jennifer Lynn Rosinski PDF file
Controls on benthic biodiversity and trophic interactions in a temperate coastal lagoon. Ph.D Dissertation, University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. K. McGlathery, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). May 2004.

Laura K. Reynolds PDF file
Interactions between endosymbiont-bearing infaunal bivalves and the biogeochemistry of Thalassia testudinum sediments. University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. J.C. Zieman, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). May 2004.

Nicola M. McGoff PDF file
The influence of the marsh grasshopper, Orchelium fidicinium, on nutrient cycling and productivity of Spartina alterniflora in a salt marsh environment. University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. J.C. Zieman, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). May 2004.

Cassondra R. Thomas (1.5 MB .pdf)
Salt Marsh Biogeochemistry and Sediment Organic Matter Accumulation (Under the direction of Dr. L.K. Blum) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. January 2004.

Rima B. Franklin (1.7 MB .pdf)
Spatial patterns in microbial communities. Ph.D. Dissertation. (Under the direction of Dr. A.L. Mills) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. 2004.

Holly S. Galavotti (1.5 MB .pdf)
Spatial profiles of sediment denitrification at the ground water – surface water interface in Cobb Mill Creek on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. M.S. Thesis. (Under the direction of Dr. A.L. Mills) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. 2004.


2003

Jennifer Wu Stanhope PDF file
Relationships between watershed characteristics and base flow nutrient discharges to eastern shore coastal lagoons, Virginia (Under direction of Dr. Iris Anderson, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences). May 2003.

Rachel Rounds (240 KB .pdf file, also available as html)
Nest-Site Selection and Hatching Success of Four Waterbird Species in Coastal Virginia (Under the direction of Dr. R.M. Erwin) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia. January 2003.


2002

Anna Christina Tyler PDF file
Impact of Benthic Algae on Dissolved Organic Nitrogen in a Temperate, Coastal Lagoon. University of Virginia (Under direction of Dr. Karen McGlathery, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). May 2002.

Steven Joseph Turaski PDF file.
Spatial and Temporal Controls on Saturated Overland Flow in a Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh.
Advisor: Patricia Wiberg, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia). January 2002.

Susan M. Heyel PDF file
Long term residual effects of a nutrient addition on a barrier island dune ecosystem. Old Dominion University (Under direction of Dr. Frank Day, Dept. of Biology, Old Dominion University). August 2002.

Tami L. Lunsford PDF file
Comparison of the fate of dissolved organic matter in two coastal systems: Hog Island Bay, VA (USA) and Plum Island Sound, MA (USA). M.S. Thesis, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, College of William and Mary (Under direction of Dr.Iris Anderson). December 2002.

Melynda K. May PDF file
Pattern and process of headward erosion in salt marsh tidal creeks. M.S. Thesis, East Carolina University. (Under the direction of Mark M. Brinson) Department of Biology. December 2002.

Mark A. Keusenkothen PDF file
The effects of deer trampling in a salt marsh. M.S. Thesis, East Carolina University. (Under the direction of Dr. Robert R. Christian) Department of Biology. September 2002.


2001

John Walter Hutton PDF file
The effect of nitrogen fertilization on short-term fine root dynamics in a barrier island dune community. Old Dominion University (Under direction of Dr. Frank Day, Dept. of Biology, Old Dominion University). May 2001.

Tracy L. Buck (1.5 MB .pdf file)
High marsh plant community response to sea-level induced high marsh subsidence and ecosystem state change. (Under the direction of Dr. Robert R. Christian) Department of Biology, East Carolina University. July 2001.

Oskars Keiss ( 1.3 MB.pdf file)
Mammalian Predator Distribution and Abundance on the Virginia Barrier Islands in Relation to Breeding Habitats of Colonial Birds. Utah State University, advisor Raymond D. Dueser.

Charity McClure (255 KB .pdf file)
Abundance and distribution variation of dragonflies in a salt marsh in response to hydrology and daily ambient temperature (Undergraduate Thesis under the direction of Dr. Robert R. Christian) Department of Biology, East Carolina University. 2001.

Part 1Part 2 Everett P. Weber III
An analysis of the energetic budgets of grasses to assess the effectiveness of different competitive strategies. Ph.D dissertation, under the direction of Dr. Frank Day) Department of Biology, Old Dominion University. 2001.

Scott Dusterhoff
Controls on Near-Surface Soil Moisture Dynamics within a Tidal Marsh-Forested Upland Coastal Environment. M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia. Advisor Patricia Wiberg. August 2001.


2000

Steve W. Roberts (830 KB .pdf file)
Primary production of Distichlis spicata and Spartina patens and effects of increased inundation on a salt marsh. (under the direction of Dr. Robert R. Christian) Department of Biology, East Carolina University, May 2000.

Eileen Appolone ( 3.6 MB .pdf file)
Organic Matter Distribution and Turnover Along a Gradient From Forest to Tidal Creek. East Carolina University, advisor Dr. Mark M. Brinson.

Amanda J. Knoff (.pdf file)
Stable Isotope Analysis of Intrapopulation, Spatial, and Temporal Variation of Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) Diets in the Virginia Coast Reserve and Jamaica Bay, New York, MS. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia, advisors Steven Macko and R. Michael Erwin


1999

Lisa D. Ricker (1.2 MB .pdf file)
Resistance to State Change by Coastal Ecosystems Under Conditions of Rising Sea Level. 1999. East Carolina University, advisor Dr. Mark M. Brinson.

Laura Stasavich (319 KB .pdf file)
Hydrodynamics of a Coastal Wetland Ecosystem. 1999. East Carolina University, advisor Dr. Mark M. Brinson.


1998

Trine Christiansen (2.1 MB .pdf file)
Sediment Deposition on a Tidal Salt Marsh 1998. University of Virginia, advisor Dr. Patricia Wiberg.

Cassondra Thomas (1.3 MB .pdf file)
The Use of Network Analysis to Compare The Nitrogen Cycles of Three Salt Marsh Zones Experiencing Relative Sea-Level Rise. 1998. East Carolina University, advisor Dr. Robert Christian.

Michael T. Elliott (3.2 MB .pdf file)
Influences of tidal litter (Wrack) and microtopography on strand species and on community composition. 1998. Virginia Commonwealth University, advisor Don Young.

John Walsh (48 MB .pdf file)
Low marsh succession along an over-wash salt marsh chronosequence. 1998. PhD. Dissertation. University of Virginia. Charlottesville VA, 211 pp. Advisor: Jay Zieman


1997

Christy Tyler (~3M including images)
Geomorphological and Hydrological Controls on Pattern and Process in a Developing Barrier Island Salt Marsh. 1997. University of Virginia, advisors Jay C. Zieman, Bruce Hayden, Steven Macko, Jeff Raffensperger.

Rebecca Tarnowski (3K abstract)
Effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations on nitrification in coastal waters. 1997. East Carolina University, advisor Dr. Robert R. Christian.

Katherine S. Tolliver PDF (no figures)
Biotic Interactions Influencing Shrub Establishment on an Atlantic Coast Barrier Island. 1997. Virginia Commonwealth University, advisor Donald Young.


1996

Jennifer D. Aiosa. (pdf 12MB)
Effects of Inundation and Vegetation on Microbial Metabolism of Dissolved Orgaic Carbon. 1996. M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia. advisor: Linda K. Blum

Craig A. Layman (pdf 12MB)
Fish Assemblage Structure in Shallow Water Habitats on the Eastern Shore of Virginia Barrier Islands. 1996. M.S. Thesis, University of Virginia. advisor: David E. Smith

Patricia M. Tolley (385K plus images)
Effects of Increased Inundation and Wrack Deposition on a Saltmarsh Plant Community. 1996. East Carolina University, advisors Robert R. Christian, Dr. Mark M. Brinson, Claudia L. Jolls, Kevin O'Brien


1995

Janet L. Loxterman (76K plus images)
Allozymic Variation in the Marsh Rice Rat, Oryzomys palustris, and the White-footed Mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, on the Virginia Barrier Islands and Southern Delmarva Peninsula. 1995. Virginia Commonwealth University, advisors John F. Pagels, Nancy Moncrief, and Donald Young.

Heather E. Quinley (55K; 298K w/ images)
A Stable C and N Isotope Study of Marsh Sediments Cattleshed Creek, Virginia Coast Reserve. 1995. University of Virginia, advisors Stephen A. Macko and Linda Blum.

Riddervold, L.B. (4.6 MB .pdf file)
Sources of nitrogen to the high marsh/upland transition zone of a Virginia back-barrier system. 1995. M.S. Thesis. University of Virginia.

Mark J. Stevenson (2.3 MB .pdf file)
Fine root biomass distribution and production along a barrier island chronosequence. 1994. M.S. Thesis. Old Dominion University. Advisor: Frank Day

James H. Taylor (1M Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file)
The Effects Of Altered Inundation And Wrack Deposition on Nitrification, Denitrification, and the Standing Stocks of NO 3 - and NO 2 - . (Under the direction of Robert R. Christian, Ph.D.) Department of Biology, August 1995.


1994

Conn, Christine E.
The role of nitrogen availability, hydroperiod and litter quality in root decomposition along a barrier island chronosequence. Ph.D Dissertation under the direction of Dr. Frank Day, Department of Biology, Old Dominion University. 1994
A corrected table of contents is also available

Dilustro, J.J (5.5 MB .pdf file)
Aboveground biomass and net primary productivity along a Virginia barrier island dune chronosequence. 1994. M.S. Thesis, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. pp. 50. Advisor: F. Day.

Joseph I. Hmieleski (150K)
High marsh-forest transitions in a brackish marsh: the effects of slope. 1994. East Carolina University, advisor Mark Brinson.

Weber, E. (9 MB .pdf file)
The effect of nitrogen fertilization on the phenology of roots in a barrier island sand dune community. 1994. M.S. Thesis, Old Dominion University. Advisor: F. Day.

David J. Yozzo (285K) also available as PDF file (18 MB)
Patterns of Habitat Use by Sub-Adult Marsh Nekton: Comparison Between Tidal Freshwater and Salt Marshes. 1994. University of Virginia, advisor Dave Smith.


1993

Claramarie Moss PDF file
Interactions between passerines and woody plants at a migratory stop over site: fruit consumption and the potential for seed dispersal. Advisor: A. Bulger, M.S. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia. August 1993.


1992

Michael Scott Harris PDF file
The geomorphology of Hog Island, Virginia: a mid-atlantic coast barrier. Advisor: R. Dolan, M.S. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia. April 1992.

1989

Laura H. Barr PDF file
Sedimentation and fallout Cesium-137 cycling in a Virginia Salt Marsh. Advisor: W. Nuttle, M.S. Thesis, Univerisity of Virginia. January 1989.


Pre-LTER Theses from the VCR/LTER study area

Christine Baumann scanned PDF file
The effects of overwash on the vegetation of a Virginia barrier island. M.A. thesis. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 104 pp., 1978 - focusing on Cedar Island.