Molly Van Appledorn, PhD
My research centers on understanding how river-floodplain ecosystems function by combining tools and approaches from the disciplines of ecology, hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, geographic information science, and statistics. By unpacking important ecosystem processes I can contribute to better stewardship of the unique sets of natural resources they support.
A large focus of my work is to describe the relationships between flooding dynamics and ecological patterns and processes. I also regularly collaborate with other scientists to understand climate change impacts on river-floodplain ecosystems; silvicultural best practices in floodplain forests; and how hydrologic, sediment, and wood regimes interact to shape the quality and distribution of aquatic habitats. The research is used to inform management practices by partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of our ecosystems.
Professional Experience
2016 - Present: Ecologist, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (La Crosse, Wisconsin)
2019 - Present: Graduate Faculty, Natural Resources Science & Management Graduate Program, University of Minnesota (St. Paul, Minnesota)
2018 - Present: Graduate Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse (La Crosse, Wisconsin)
2018 - Present: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota (St. Paul, Minnesota)
2013 - 2016: NOAA Maryland Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellow (Baltimore, Maryland)
2012 - 2013: NSF Graduate Fellow in Environmental Education (Baltimore, Maryland)
2006: Teaching Assistant, University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin)
2004 - 2006: Environmental Science Educator, Deep Portage Learning Center (Hackensack, Minnesota)
2005: Teaching Assistant, University of Michigan Biological Station (Pellston, Michigan)
2004: Field Research Assistant, Syracuse University (Seneca Falls, New York)
2002 - 2004: Outreach Program Instructor and Docent, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
2001: Field Biologist, Institute for Bird Populations (Winthrop, Washington)
Education and Certifications
Geography & Environmental Systems Ph.D., 2016, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Ecology M.S., 2009, Utah State University
Environmental Science B.S., 2003, University of Michigan
Science and Products
Applying concepts of general resilience to large river ecosystems: A case study from the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers
River‐valley morphology, basin size, and flow‐event magnitude interact to produce wide variation in flooding dynamics
Indicators of ecosystem structure and function for the Upper Mississippi River System
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.
Science and Products
Applying concepts of general resilience to large river ecosystems: A case study from the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers
River‐valley morphology, basin size, and flow‐event magnitude interact to produce wide variation in flooding dynamics
Indicators of ecosystem structure and function for the Upper Mississippi River System
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.