CILER welcomes Emily Davenport, ESP Research Technician, to the CILER-GLERL harmful algal bloom (HAB) research team this January. She will be leading deployments of the ESPniagara to monitor western Lake Erie HABs alongside Drs. Tim Davis (GLERL) and Tom Johengen (CILER). She will also be working on the development of a molecular assay for the near-real time detection of Microcystis as well as multiple toxins including microcystins, saxitoxins, and cylindrospermopsins for use on the ESPniagara.
Emily completed both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at Bowling Green State University. Her graduate work involved a diel survey of the 2014 western Lake Erie Microcystis harmful algal bloom. Using samples collected every 6 hours, she used genetic techniques to track changes in metabolic processes across day/night patterns as well as transient changes in the environment (nutrients, etc.), using genomes produced from Lake Erie-specific Microcystis cultures. Her goal was to observe any diel regulation of gene expression in a Microcystis bloom, specifically in regard to toxin production and nutrient metabolism. Emily completed her graduate work with advisors Drs. Mike McKay and George Bullerjahn in December of 2016.
Emily grew up on Catawba Island, OH in Lake Erie and is very excited to continue researching “in her back yard.” She enjoys the many recreational facets offered by the Great Lakes region, including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and biking. CILER is excited to welcome Emily Davenport to our team and to Ann Arbor!