Debra S. Finn

Debra S. Finn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Missouri State University. She specializes in stream ecology, aquatic entomology, and alpine stream biology, with a focus on understanding ecosystem responses to environmental changes such as climate shifts and habitat fragmentation. Her work integrates field studies, genetic analyses, and longitudinal monitoring to address ecological questions in mountain and temperate stream systems.

Education:

• PhD in Ecology, Colorado State University
• MS in Zoology, Colorado State University
• BS in Aquatic Biology, University of Texas at Austin

Research Interests:

Dr. Finn’s research explores how physical and biological processes shape stream ecosystems, particularly in alpine and glacial environments. She investigates topics such as hyporheic zone dynamics, trophic flexibility in food webs, and the role of cold rocky landforms (e.g., rock glaciers) as climate refugia. Her studies also address dispersal mechanisms in aquatic insects and the impact of human activities on stream connectivity.

Recent Article Trends:

Her recent publications emphasize climate change impacts on alpine stream biodiversity, the role of hydrology in structuring food webs, and the ecological significance of icy seeps in mountain regions. She has contributed to long-term monitoring projects in Grand Teton National Park and Glacier Bay, focusing on species resilience and ecosystem function under changing conditions.

Labs/Teams:

Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in the Department of Biology at Missouri State University, focusing on field-based ecological research and conservation applications.