PI: Dr. Megan Fork
Dr. Fork (they/she) started at WCU in Fall 2021. Before arriving in West Chester, they held postdocs at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (Millbrook, NY) and Umeå University (Umeå, Sweden). Dr. Fork earned a PhD in Environmental Science from Duke University in 2017.
When not trying to find answers to ecological questions or helping students learn about biology and ecology, Dr. Fork loves making and eating new foods, making and listening to music, reading sci-fi books, and playing board games. See Megan Fork's CV |
Undergraduate researchers
Tanner Burns is an undergraduate student pursuing his B.S. in ecology and conservation and marine biology. In his work with the aquatic ecosystem lab, Tanner is setting up long-term monitoring stations on Goose Creek in West Chester, PA. The goal of the stations is to help understand the effects of urban stream syndrome and the success of stream restoration projects. Tanner is interested in green stormwater infrastructure systems that create alternative ways of dealing with impervious water runoff. When he is not playing in streams, he enjoys spending time with his family and his girlfriend, Peggy, traveling, surfing, and rock climbing.
Addie Brown is an undergraduate student at West Chester University, working towards a B.S. in ecology and conservation and marine biology. I enjoy all things outdoor related, including hiking, fishing, and camping! This summer I have been involved in water quality monitoring and invasive water species removal along the Perkiomen Watershed in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. I am excited to expand my experience in my future fields of study, through the aquatic ecosystems lab!
Amanda Cohan is currently pursuing her B.S. in marine biology. She is excited to be a member of the Aquatic Ecosystems Lab. She's always been interested in fishkeeping and is an aquarium hobbyist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and listening to music.
Gianna Parrish is currently pursuing her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Her research interests lie in the bioaccumulation of microplastics in aquatic organisms and ecosystems. When she's not hitting the books or in the lab, you can find her hiking, kayaking the Brandywine, or listening to one of her many favorite podcasts.
Mara Jansons is currently a senior undergraduate student at West Chester University working towards a B.S. in biology with a concentration in ecology and conservation. Her interests within this field lie in plant and ecosystem ecology. When not working in the lab or field, she enjoys reading, skiing, and hiking with her dogs.
Bree White is a senior at WCU majoring in Biology with concentrations in Ecology & Conservation and Marine Science.
Luke Ritter is a junior at WCU majoring in Biology with a concentrations in Ecology & Conservation.
Graduate students
Ben Langey (he/him) is a graduate student in the Department of Biology pursuing his MS on the thesis track. Ben graduated from Gettysburg College in May of 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies, with a biology minor.
As a member of the Aquatic Ecosystems Lab at WCU, Ben is currently completing a master’s thesis in the largest freshwater wetland complex in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Great Marsh. His study is investigating the impacts of road salts on freshwater wetland vegetative communities, through soil and shallow groundwater analysis. When not knee deep in a wetland, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, especially with his wife, Danielle, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Liberty. At all times of the year you can usually find him enjoying the outdoors either on a trail, in a stream with a fly rod, or in a tree with a bow. Ben is also an amateur cook, has an on again-off again relationship with his home gym, and is a terrible guitarist. |
Victoria Moreira (she/her) is a graduate student in the Department of Biology pursuing her MS on the thesis track. Victoria graduated from Delaware Valley University in May of 2021 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology, with a specialization in Zoology.
As a member of the Aquatic Ecosystems Lab at WCU, Victoria is completing a master's thesis that will incorporate two research projects: one to study the abundance and composition of anthropogenic litter in urban streams, and another to study the abundance and types of microplastics in songbirds' fecal samples. In her free time, Victoria enjoys birding and hiking with family and friends, sketching from nature, and trying new vegetarian recipes. |
Lab Alumni
Alex Desjardins
Andrew Bosche, M.S. '23 - Aquatic Biologist at PA DEP
Barbara Bowen, B.S. '23
Miranda Davies, B.S. '23 - Research technician
Matt Fuchs, B.S. '23
Janelle Pedroza, B.S. '22 - Research & Development Scientist at Life Sensors, Inc.
Andrew Bosche, M.S. '23 - Aquatic Biologist at PA DEP
Barbara Bowen, B.S. '23
Miranda Davies, B.S. '23 - Research technician
Matt Fuchs, B.S. '23
Janelle Pedroza, B.S. '22 - Research & Development Scientist at Life Sensors, Inc.