Jonathan Behrens

As an urban ecologist I explore the impact of human activities on freshwater ecosystems and their influence on human communities. In particular, my research focuses on urban stream ecosystems and how anthropocentric stressors (chemical contaminants, heat, and hydrologic "flashiness") impact ecosystem functions like primary and secondary production and food web interactions. I'm particularly interested in engaging stakeholders within the broader community to effectively design field research and communicate results to inform water resource management decisions and policies.

I am currently an urban ecology PhD candidate within the interdisciplinary Duke University River Center, co-advised by Dr. Emily Bernhardt and Dr. Martin Doyle. My PhD studies began in Fall 2019 with a planned defense in Spring 2024.

Prior to graduate studies, as a fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute, I engaged in research projects to support federal agencies and the cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council on drinking water contaminants, methane emissions, space policy, and management of research funding for health, earth observation, and energy sciences.

I also wrote for the American Institute of Physics’ FYI: Science Policy News, covering federal science policy developments on Capitol Hill and various science agencies. I was republished by Physics Today and American Physics Society News, and interviewed by a Texas NPR radio affiliate.

Cherry blossoms on the Potomac River, DC
(Credit: J. Behrens/CC BY-NC)

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