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Research in our laboratory is devoted to understanding patterns and processes in freshwater ecosystems. In particular, we are interested in studying global change and anthropogenic effects on stream ecosystems with an emphasis on bridging theory and application. We use tools from bioenergetic (e.g., growth, secondary production) and stoichiometric (i.e., content and recycling of essential elements [C:N:P]) frameworks to link species physiology and community composition to whole-ecosystem processes.

I teach, or have taught, Freshwater Ecology, Research in Freshwater Ecology, Aquatic Insects, Organismal Biology, Emerging Topics in Ecology, Foundations of Ecology and Management.

I am also former director of the Montana Water Center (2014-2022).

I believe in dog

Nate joined us in 2021 after receiving a BS at University of Wisconsin La Cross, and mutliple research experiences at Notre Dame, Wyoming, and Montana. He completed his M.S. in 2024 in the Cross Lab, focusing on aquatic-terrestrial linkages in Gallatin Valley irrigation ditch network.  For his PhD, Nate will examine the effects of drought and elevated water temperatures on stream invertebrate communities and food-web dynamics. 

Ally joined the lab in 2024 after receiving a BS in Natural Resource Management at Oregon State University and serving two AmeriCorps terms in Utah and Montana. Her M.S. research will adress the combined effects of drought and warming on the structure and function of stream macroinvertebrate communities.  Her work will be based at the University of Birmingham, UK, EcoLaboratory experimental stream facility.

Sam joined the lab in 2024 after working for the Department of Fish and Wildlife in Sacramento, CA. He has a B.S. from UC Berkeley, but grew up in Minneapolis, MN. He is using a natural stream thermal gradient in Iceland to study the effects of long-term warming and drought on macroinvertebrates. He will be using bioenergetic measurements to examine acclimation or adaptation of energetic efficiencies and energy flow in these communities. In his free time he likes to hike in nature, do yoga, and think about how he should really be getting a dog soon.

Jim was a post-doc in the lab until 2015. He is now a faculty member at Ohio State University in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

Website: https://hoodaquaticslab.wordpress.com/

Rafa was a co-mentored post-doc between 2019 and 2023 at the University of Montana. He is now a postdoctoral fellow at Clemson University, SC.

Lili joined our lab for a year in 2016 as a visiting post-doctoral scientist from Spain. She investigated nutrient pollution effects on stream food webs (in collaboration with John Richardson at UBC).  She is now at the Universidad de Vigo, Spain.

Website: https://lilizar.wixsite.com/lilianagarciawebsite