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Current Research

Groundwater

Research: The Great Miami Ground-Water Observatory (GMGWO)

Researchers: Mohamadreza Soltanian, David Nash (PI), Amy Townsend-Small (Co-PI) and Ishi Buffam, UC Geology and Biology

The observatory continuously monitors the flow and biogeochemistry of groundwater in the Greater Miami Buried Valley Aquifer System (GMBVAS). Funding for this project has been awarded by the Duke Energy Foundation and the Miami Conservancy District.

This project uses a server housed in the new research facility at the Field Center to store and house data in near-real time. The Field Center also serves as a site for conducting basic groundwater research for water scientists, public water suppliers, undergraduate and graduate students, and municipal, regional, state, and federal water regulators.

Invasive

Species

Research: The Role of Intraspecific Hybridization in the Evolution of Invasiveness in the Ornamental Pear Tree (Pyrus calleryana)

Researcher: Theresa Culley (PI), UC Biology

This study examines the mating system and ecophysiology of an emerging invasive species that has been planted widely as an ornamental tree. Previously, it was thought that this introduced tree was a sterile hybrid, but Callery pear trees have found a way to reproduce and the off-spring are dispersing rapidly. This project is a continuation of previously-funded USDA research.

An array of Callery pear trees of known genotypes have been planted in the deer exclosure area on the east side of the field station and will be the subjects of a long-term study to better understand the genetics and reproductive capabilities of this attractive, but problematic species and find ways to bring it under control.

Green

Technology

Research: Quantifying the Impact of Green Roofs on Surface Water Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Researchers: Ishi Buffam (CoPI), UC Biology and Dominic Bocelli (CoPI), UC Engineering

This project focuses on the biogeochemistry of urban aquatic ecosystems and the ecosystem services provided by urban green spaces. The current research centers around quantifying ecosystem services and potential disservices associated with green roofs. Proposals to NSF and USGS-NIWR that will support this research are currently under review. The experiment at the field station is specifically examining three aims:

Whether one could build a functional green roof in this region using native plants
Whether certain plant species are superior for water retention on a green roof
Whether certain plant species are superior for nutrient retention on a green roof

Research: The Great Miami Ground-Water Observatory (GMGWO) Researchers: Mohamadreza Soltanian, David Nash (PI), Amy Townsend-Small (Co-PI) and Ishi Buffam, UC Geology and Biology The observatory continuously monitors the flow and biogeochemistry of groundwater in the Greater Miami Buried Valley Aquifer System (GMBVAS). Funding for this project has been awarded by the Duke Energy Foundation and the Miami Conservancy District. This project uses a server housed in the new research facility at the Field Center to store and house data in near-real time. The Field Center also serves as a site for conducting basic groundwater research for water scientists, public water suppliers, undergraduate and graduate students, and municipal, regional, state, and federal water regulators.

Public Health

Climate Change

Additional Research

Research: Gene Knockdown through RNA Interference and Other Control Strategies to Depress Tick Survival through Winter Resting Periods

Researchers: Josh Benoit (PI) and Andrew Rosedale (CoPI), UC Biology

This project seeks to generate a comprehensive understanding of tick cold tolerance and overwintering. Three grants for this study have been submitted to NIH. The study focuses on the completion of three aims:

Assess if ticks are impacted by winter-associated stress and their potential to enter a genetic-programmed diapause. This aim assesses tick cold tolerance and if dormancy is an environmental cue-initiated, genetically-programmed diapause, or simply a period of quietness/inactivity.
Identify the underlying transcriptional, metabolomics, and physiological changes associated with tick cold tolerance and overwintering. This aim analyzes underlying molecular and metabolite changes associated with dormancy, along with cold and dehydration exposure that are common during winter months.
Establish if interactions with fungi alter cold tolerance and overwintering in ticks. This aim contributes to how pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi alter stress resistance and overwintering potential. Two of the most abundant ticks in the United States are subjects of this proposal: the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis, primary vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum, primary vector of Southern tick-associated rash illness and tularemia).

Research: Environmental and Climatic Change in the Lower Great Miami River Valley.

Researchers: Kenneth Tankersley, UC Anthropology and David Lentz and Denis Conover, UC Biology

This study compares the inventory of modern plant species and stable carbon isotope data from the lower Great Miami River valley with paleobotanical data and stable carbon isotope data collected from bone collagen from 20 radiocarbon dated archaeological sites, spanning more than 11,000 years of prehistory. The ultimate goal is to determine the rate and magnitude of environmental and climatic change, and ultimately human response to those changes.

Research: Effects of Air Pollution on Plant Reproduction and Health.

Researchers: Theresa Culley, UC Biology. This project is in collaboration with faculty in the UC Engineering College (with Tim Keener and Mingming Lu, Engineering).

This study proposes to examine the effects of small particulate matter from diesel exhaust on the ecophysiology and seed production of three different plant species under field conditions. This involves setting up chambers into which air will be directed and studied.

Research: Dytiscid Beetle Behavior and Eye Morphology

Researcher: Elke Buschbeck, (PI) UC Biology

This investigation has led to the discovery of the presence of a bifocal lens in diving beetle larvae (Thermonectus marmoratus), the only natural bifocal lens in the extant animal kingdom thus far. The organization and function of dytiscid eyes is diverse and is presumably associated in prey-capture behavior.

The Field Center has provided a crucial link for this project, as it is situated near major wetlands, and it has several ponds on its property which are prime beetle habitats. Within the local ponds, we found a variety of dytiscid larvae, including Thermonectus basilaris, Cybister sp. and several other species that may be new to science. This project is currently funded by a NSF CAREER grant, IOB-0545978 with a second NSF grant (IOS – 1050754) funded.

Research: Urban Wildland Gradient Study

Researchers: Guy Cameron (PI) and Theresa Culley, UC Biology

The purpose of this project is to establish an urban-wildland gradient of study areas to assess the impact of urbanization on terrestrial vegetation and aquatic organisms, terrestrial and aquatic physical factors, and land-use. Six permanent study sites have been established along an urban-wildland gradient: Miami Whitewater Forest in western Hamilton County; Mt. Airy Forest, an urban forest in Cincinnati; Harris Benedict Nature Preserve, located in an urban area on the northern border of Cincinnati; East Fork Wildlife Area, a suburban/rural area on the eastern border of Cincinnati, operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Tranquility Wildlife Area, a rural area operated by ODNR; and the Edge of Appalachia (EOA), a wildland preserve of The Nature Conservancy and Cincinnati Museum Center. Sixteen study plots were established in each study area, of which 8 plots contain Amur honeysuckle and 8 are without Amur honeysuckle, except EOA and Tranquility which have no honeysuckle.

Censuses of trees, herbaceous vegetation, tree seedlings, and shrubs have revealed dramatic differences in biodiversity of plant populations, particularly in the understories, as one crosses the gradient. This study was initially funded by a grant from the University of Cincinnati Research Council.

May 1, 2023

Connect with Nature Day

Join us for a day of exploration and learning lead by UC faculty, staff, and students. Explore the stream, catch critters, walk the prairie, and mingle with experts and volunteers as you learn about about birds, fish, plants, invasive species, raingardens, and more. Activities are available for all ages.

May 1, 2023

Science Day

Join us for the 4th annual Science Day! In collaboration with the University of Cincinnati and Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Field Center hosts a family-friendly event where UC alumni and community members share their scientific interests with others while raising awareness about the research taking place at the Field Center. Activities include nature walks with UC professors, mini-lectures, and interactive exhibits for children.

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Hamilton County

Conservation District

Government

https://www.hcswcd.org/

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