Jennie's Bio:

I am from the lovely state of Oregon, where I obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Science from Portland State University. I have a Master of Science in Natural Resources, focused on wetland ecology, from The Ohio State University. Currently, I am a PhD student in the Environmental Science Graduate Program working with Jay Martin in the area of ecological engineering.  My research centers around methods of improving the efficiency of ecological treatment systems for agricultural wastewater.

     One of the most pressing questions concerning ecological treatment systems is how the interaction between vegetation and wastewater leads to water quality improvements.  While many studies prove that systems with plants out-perform similar systems without plants, the vegetative functions that lead to increases in water quality are not understood (Kadlec 1995; Soto et al. 1999).  Specifically, it is unclear if and how plants enhance the rates of nitrification and denitrification that lead to nitrogen removal.  Additionally, the area around submerged plant roots is thought to be critical for nitrogen transformation and removal, but further research is needed to determine how roots and wastewater interact.  My will identify plant species that augment processes improving water quality and will lead to increases in the efficiency of ecological treatment systems.  By providing greater nitrogen removal per area, the area required for future ecological treatment systems will be reduced.