Gaston Small

Gaston Small is Professor of Biology and Earth, Environment & Society at the University of St. Thomas College of Arts and Sciences. His research examines human-altered biogeochemical cycles through urban ecosystems, particularly nutrient dynamics in agricultural and aquatic systems.

Research investigates phosphorus/nitrogen cycling in urban gardens, lakes, and tropical streams. Current MSP LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) project focuses on urban lake ecosystems in Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on nutrient management in human-dominated ecosystems. Recent articles emphasize urban agriculture sustainability, with methodologies spanning field experiments, long-term monitoring, and ecological modeling. Tropical ecology research examines volcanic influences on stream biogeochemistry.

Educational initiatives develop experiential learning models using campus gardens for undergraduate ecology courses, enhancing accessibility of field-based biology education.