Mary Anne Evans, PhD
Mary Anne Evans is a Research Ecologist based in Ann Arbor, MI.
Mary Anne Evans is a Research Ecologist at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center where she contributes to the Restoration and Conservation Science branch. Her current research focuses on drivers and consequences of harmful and nuisance algal blooms (HABs and NABs) including nutrient, light, and dreissenid influences on benthic algal blooms, cyanobacterial HABs in western Lake Erie, nutrient and algal dynamics in other river influenced nearshore areas of the Great Lakes, and translating HABs and NABs science for diverse audiences. Prior to joining the USGS, she studied hypoxic “dead zones” in Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as a post-doctoral scientist at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and recreational lakes in Michigan as a post-doctoral scientist at Michigan State University. She received her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Michigan, studying the phytoplankton ecology of arctic lakes.
Research Summary
My research explores the interaction of physical and biological processes that control ecosystem functions. I am especially interested in controls of phytoplankton and benthic algae growth. Understanding the regulation of primary producers is integral to predicting, managing, and conserving ecosystem function, especially for systems impacted by both local human stresses and global climate change. In addition, large accumulations of algal biomass, either of toxic species or leading to decomposition induced hypoxia, can be detrimental to human use of aquatic resources. The conditions necessary for such harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxic events are predicted to increase under climate change scenarios; thus, understanding their controls will be increasingly important to ecosystem management.
My approach to research is to combine field studies with mathematical modeling. I use numerical models to explore a broader range of mechanistic variability than is practical in field experiments, while, at the same time, I use field data to test model predictions. In this way, each approach informs the other, allowing for more robust and general conclusions that may be extrapolated across aquatic ecosystems.
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, 2012 – present, Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, 2009-2012, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan
Post Doctoral Researcher, 2007-2009, Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., 2007 University of Michigan, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Ann Arbor, MI. Dissertation title “Phytoplankton Ecology of Arctic Lakes"
M.S., 2001 University of Michigan, Department of Biology, Ann Arbor, MI
B.S., 1999 Summa cum laude, University of Louisville, Department of Biology, Louisville, KY. Honors thesis “The effects of elevated NO3 deposition on nitrogen retention in forest soils “
Science and Products
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Publications by this scientist
Measuring spatial variation in secondary production and food quality using a common consumer approach in Lake Erie
Assessing and addressing the re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: central basin hypoxia
Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume forecasts and results: June 10, 2014
A scenario and forecast model for Gulf of Mexico hypoxic area and volume
2013 Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Forecast
Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume forecasts and results: June 18, 2013
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist
Science and Products
Data releases by this scientist
Multimedia related to this scientist
Publications by this scientist
Measuring spatial variation in secondary production and food quality using a common consumer approach in Lake Erie
Assessing and addressing the re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: central basin hypoxia
Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume forecasts and results: June 10, 2014
A scenario and forecast model for Gulf of Mexico hypoxic area and volume
2013 Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Forecast
Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume forecasts and results: June 18, 2013
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist