Erin is a PhD student in the Integrative Biology Department at Oregon State University. She grew up exploring the rivers of the Southeastern USA and is now researching the impact of dams on aquatic insects in the Colorado River Basin (Southwestern USA). Erin received a Master of Science (MS) from the Odum School of Ecology and Savannah River Ecology Lab at the University of Georgia. For her MS, Erin examined how invasive species carcasses and scavengers were incorporated into energy flow on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Erin received a Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University, where she researched the impact of small dams on the population genetics of freshwater mussels. When not doing research, Erin splits her time between volunteering with her graduate employee labor union and enjoying Oregon’s natural areas!