This past November 2024, two students and one professor embarked on a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Southeastern Fishes Council Conference was hosted at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. Dr. Brittany McCall was the advisor and co-author to Zack Horve (senior) and Fynn Greene (sophomore), who presented at the conference. Along with mentoring the students since June, Dr. McCall volunteered to be a judge at the Conference.
Fynn Greene (Left), Dr. McCall (Center), Zack Horve (Right)
Dr, McCall said, “Zack’s project title was, “Investigating the Relationship Between Riparian Structural Diversity And In-Stream Biological Diversity in the Duck Creek (IA) Watershed”. Zack’s research surveyed the fish and macroinvertebrate communities in local urban watersheds, as well as assessed the riparian zone of those streams using LiDAR data. He was interested to see how riparian zones varied in urban watersheds, how that variation is associated with riparian zone management utilized by the cities, and how the structure diversity and management of riparian zones impacts the aquatic biodiversity of the watersheds they encompass.”
“Dr. McCall said, “Fynn’s project title was, “Parasite communities as possible bioindicators for urban aquatic ecosystems”. Fynn’s research surveyed the parasite community associated with Creek Chubs in local urban watersheds designated for recreational use. They were interested to see if the community varies within an urban watershed, how the variation could be attributed to land use practices and water quality, and if these parasite communities could be used as bioindicators of watershed health.”
Congratulations to Zack Horve and Fynn Greene for their dedicated research! This research was made possible by these two students, and the Upper Mississippi Center. The presentation and conference were possible because of Dr. McCall. Zack Horve is one student that has completed research with the Upper Mississippi Center for years. Even after many experiences Zack reflected on the Southeastern Fishes Council as, “It was awesome to be around people that are passionate about the same things I am and to see the amazing Tennessee Aquarium. It was a reassuring experience too because it helped break down a lot of my preconceived notions about the scientific community and my ability to be part of scientific discussions. Also I learned a LOT about fish that I did not know before going to the conference.” With this please know that you can learn a lot when you work hard to take part in opportunities!
