Nikki Van Klaveren

MSc student
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta

BSc University of Alberta

Email: vanklave@ualberta.ca

I find large ecosystems fascinating due to their complex nature, where even the subtlest change in one part of the system can dramatically influence the overall ecosystem. In particular, the water cycle is interesting to me as it involves the entire planet. My graduate research is focused on metabolism and nutrient attenuation in 58 Albertan grassland and parkland streams, with varying degrees of agricultural impact. We will investigate the impact varying nutrient levels have on nutrient uptake rates in the streams, algal communities, and water chemistry. Hopefully, this will allow us to better understand the health of smaller streams throughout the agricultural regions of the province and the relationship between their ecosystem functions and nutrient levels. In my spare time, I like to read, volunteer, and travel.