Current research
Stormwater infrastructure
Managing stormwater is a significant challenge across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, especially given increasing nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment loads. Since a majority of land in the watershed is held privately, landowner engagement is crucial to reduce stormwater pollution and meet Chesapeake Bay water quality goals. One way to better engage landowners is to build outreach programs that promote sustainable behavior change. Our research aims to understand resident perceptions and social norms around green infrastructure and stormwater. Research outcomes will inform residential engagement and behavior change strategies aimed at increasing small-scale stormwater best management practice adoption rates on private property.
Urban green space
As adults, mosquitoes feed on sugar from vegetation; as larvae, mosquitoes rely on plant material like leaves, seeds, and fruit that fall into water-filled containers and decay. The quantity and quality of vegetation in mosquito habitats can therefore affect mosquito survival, growth, and community composition. We are surveying vegetation on residential properties in Baltimore and the Watts Branch watershed to compare plant diversity and abundance across a socioeconomic gradient and between cities. Knowledge of the resources available to mosquitoes in different locations may help explain patterns observed in mosquito sampling and could offer insight for mosquito management.
Mosquito competition
Mosquito larvae rely on nutrients supplied by plant material, like leaves, seeds, or fruit, that fall into water-filled containers and decay. When two or more species of larvae are in the same container, they compete for the same resources. The amount and type of plant material available can affect the outcome of competition, favoring one species or another. We are testing the effects of common plants in the area on competition between Baltimore’s two most abundant mosquito species. Differences in plant resources may help explain why Culex pipiens, typically the inferior competitor, persists in some parts of the City.
Community-based mosquito management
In 2016, the town of University Park, MD implemented a community-based mosquito management program, in which residents set out and maintained traps for egg-laying Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Researchers found that mosquito abundances on a given block dropped by approximately 66% when traps covered 80% of residential yards. We are following up on that initial study to see how effective and sustainable the program is after five years. We are also examining whether there are socioeconomic, knowledge, or perception factors that affect household participation. Results from this study could inform community-based mosquito management programs across the United States.