Lab Members
Tom Dudley
Our Senior Researchers
Originally specializing in community ecology of aquatic insects, the increasing dominance of western riparian systems by invasive, non-native flora and fauna…including cows…has diverted my attention to ways to restore rivers and riparian systems degraded by such invasions, particularly via biological control methods…I’ve not worked out biocontrol of cows yet, but remain committed to that in the long run. In the process this has led to partnering with those applying science-based approaches to large-scale river restoration, aka EcoHydrological Assessment…in the Virgin River sometimes with the uncertain support of my friend, Cliven Bundy. We are also undertaking development of a land trust to ensure long-range conservation of riparian systems and sustainable agriculture in the Santa Clara watershed of southern California. In honor of the tamarisk beetle that has consumed the better part of the last 18 years or so, body art has been applied and we encourage others who join our lab group to similarly adorn themselves with their favorite study subjects.
Graduate Researchers
Terra Dressler
Terra is researching the use of environmental DNA (eDNA)
to investigate distribution-related questions on aquatic species
of concern and expanding eDNA’s use as a research tool.
Staff Researchers
Madeline Holroyd
Madeline graduated from UCSB with a BS in Environmental Studies. She is interested in community ecology, plant physiology, and plant-insect interactions (particularly galling insects). Madeline heads the Cape Ivy biocontrol project. She assists with vegetation surveying and invertebrate surveying as well as plant physiology surveys in the Santa Clara River.
Josey Jaramillo
Research Assistants
Erika Ley
Erika is an Earth Science major with an emphasis on Climate and Environment. She enjoys spending time with her dog and two cats, being in nature, and reading. In the lab she assists in research using P. regalis flies as biocontrol on Cape ivy.
Calen Campos
Calen is a fourth year Ecology and Evolution major with interests in restoration, native plant ecology, riparian systems, and herpetology. He enjoys hiking, biking, and taking his pet snake Choco on walks.
Sara Craane
Sara Craane is a fourth year Aquatic Biology major who enjoys being outside, cooking, and reading. In the lab she takes care of various invasive and noninvasive species of plants, helps with Cape Ivy research and biocontrol, and is a part of native plant restoration.
Anagha Dahal
Anagha is a third year biochemistry major who is a pre-medical student. He works in the eDNA project as well as the creation of the RIVRLab Website