brooke Bannerman
Investigating How wildfires affect primary productivity and algal community assemblage in mountain lakes.
The mountainous western U.S. is rich in lakes and prone to wildfires, yet we have a limited understanding of how wildfires alter lake ecosystems. The objective of my research, supported by the Montana Water Center, is to investigate how wildfires in lake watersheds alter the physical and chemical environment of lakes and, consequently, the abundance and composition of algae. Specifically, I am examining how lake chemistry, algal abundance, and algal community composition have changed over the past ~500 years. To achieve this, I am using proxies archived in lake sediments to reconstruct past watershed disturbances, shifts in nutrient availability and sources, and changes in algal abundance and community structure. These reconstructions will offer insights into how lakes respond to wildfire and ongoing environmental changes.
Brooke Bain-White (formerly Bannerman) is a PhD candidate at the University of Montana. Brooke is interested in understanding how environmental change influences the ecology of mountain lakes. Her PhD research specifically explores how wildfires affect the chemistry and productivity of lakes in the mountain ranges of the western US. Outside of her academic pursuits, you can find her on foot, bike, or snowboard exploring the mountains.