About the Author

A detailed information page about me can be viewed at http://sitemaker.umich.edu/snre-student-ethanbr.

Current Research: I am currently a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Natural Resources and Environment, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. My research involves how stream disturbance regimes effects species assemblage of aquatic insects. Specifically, I am interested in how hydraulic regimes influence species assemblages of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) across spatial landscapes. My project will also assess how widespread epizootics affecting populations of a dominant periphyton-grazing caddisfly differentially effects chironomid assemblage composition under different hydraulic-driven disturbance regimes.

Academic Interests: Systematics and ecology of aquatic insects, with an emphasis on Chironomidae (Diptera), Trichoptera, Odonata, Plecoptera and Ephemeroptera of the Great Lakes region; water quality and ecosystem management of streams and rivers.

Former Education: BA (1983) from James Madison College, Michigan State University - international relations and socioeconomics; MS (1995) from the School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan.

Brief Bio: As a child I was always interested in nature, delving into hobbies such as herpetology, astronomy, geology and entomology. To the left is a picture taken during a 1970 National Wildlife Federation vacation camp in Rocky Mountain National Park - even then I was intrigued with aquatic entomology! (From National Wildlife 10(2):26). As you can see in the next picture (right), taken in 1997, I'm still acting like a kid!

I began my studies in the sciences rather late. Despite interests in nature and the environment as a youngster, I "deviated" into political science, graduating from Michigan State University (James Madison College) in 1983 with a B.A. in international relations and socio-economics. After living in Germany and Belgium for about 3 years (and learning German, French and a little Dutch) I returned to the USA and worked in the automotive business for about three uninspiring and unenjoyable years. During that time, I rediscovered my love of nature, especially after a fantastic trip in 1989 sponsored by the Nature Conservancy to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA. I then realized a change in my life was required, so I went back to school and spent a couple of years taking classes required for entry into a science-oriented masters' program. During my masters program I took a class in aquatic entomology, and it was then that I "rediscovered" my interest in aquatic ecology. I also discovered new interests in aquatic insect taxonomy, systematics and ecology. I have stayed the course ever since (1997, picture above).

Page created: January 14, 2004 (EB)
Page last reviewed: January 14, 2004 (EB)