Acknowledgments
As is the case with many demanding pursuits, this
work would not have been possible without the community of people that
have surrounded me for the past three years. My mentors, my colleagues,
my friends and my family have given me the support to stand on my feet
and do what I needed to do. First I would like to acknowledge and thank
the members of my committee, whose guidance has steered me safely along
this path. Bruce Hayden helped me to correctly formulate my definitions
and kept me mindful of the big picture, while Steve Macko was invaluable
in helping me to remember the details. Jeff Raffensperger was kind, patient
and ever helpful with all things hydrological. Karen McGlathery, although
an unofficial member, provided helpful advice here and there, and gave
me inspiration. Finally, I want to thank Jay Zieman, my advisor. His support
and guidance over the years is much appreciated.
The crowd that helped out with my field work is vast,
and I'm not sure that I have remembered everyone. Jimmy Spitler deserves
many, many thanks for tirelessly ferrying me to Hog Island and back in
seas both fair and rough. Among those who braved the trip with me are:
Jed Tomkins, Melody Voith, Trine Christiansen, Kristin Carl, Andrea Korsak,
Jenn Aiosa and Vaughan Turekian. Randy Carlson and Dave Richardson helped
me determine the lay of the land with their surveying assistance. Stephanie
Wear took care of some very tedious lab work, and Todd Dennis' statistical
expertise allowed me to make sense of all of those numbers.
My friends far and near have provided an invaluable
outlet for both laughter and tears. Those that were nearby include Kristin
Carl, Andrea Korsak, Vaughan Turekian, Maria Uhle, Mike Glasgow and Jenn
Aiosa. Andy and Kristin have been two of the best friends one could hope
for. They have always been ready with words of encouragement and understanding,
laughter, some golf clubs, and a beer. I look forward to many more times
together. Dave Osgood, Kindra Loomis, Brian Silliman and John Walsh, my
fellow Hog Islanders, have provided a community of research support, thoughtful
idea generation, wonderful company, and great friendship that I can't imagine
being without. Dave provided wonderful assistance in getting me settled
in to life and research at UVA, Kindra kept me organized and on track,
and Brian helped me to keep things in perspective and inspired me to keep
learning. John, thank you for being a colleague and a friend, and for that
little bit of magic that keeps me laughing. To my friends who are far away,
thank you for being there.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge my family. My
brother Davy has been a friend, a companion, and a silent fan. His written
expressions are insightful and have meant a great deal to me. From the
beginning my parents were supportive of a girl whose toys of choice were
minnows and mud. Their quiet encouragement and perpetual faith in me over
the years have provided a backbone of strength without which I could not
have so clearly visualized or achieved my goals.
This research was funded by the Virginia Coast Reserve
Long Term Ecological Research project, by a research award from the William
H. Bannon Fund, and by a Presidential Fellowship from the University of
Virginia.
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