Caryn C. Vaughn

Caryn C. Vaughn is a Presidential Professor and George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Biological Sciences. She holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on stream ecology, conservation biology, and the ecosystem services provided by freshwater mussels, particularly their roles in nutrient cycling and habitat engineering. She has been a key figure in demonstrating how mussel communities influence sediment microbial communities, riverbed hydrodynamics, and terrestrial-aquatic nutrient flows.

Research Interests: Dr. Vaughn’s work emphasizes the functional roles of freshwater mussels in ecosystems, addressing threats like climate change and habitat destruction. Her lab has shown that mussel diversity enhances ecosystem services, including biofiltration and energy transfer. Recent studies investigate the impacts of droughts, invasive species, and human activities on mussel populations and their ecological functions.

Awards: While no specific awards are listed, her titles (e.g., Presidential Professor) reflect institutional recognition of her scholarly contributions.

Grants & Labs: She leads research in the Oklahoma Biological Survey and collaborates on projects funded by NSF and other agencies, focusing on long-term ecological monitoring, biogeochemical processes, and conservation strategies. Her work bridges basic and applied science, informing environmental policy and river management practices.

Labs/Teams: Active in the School of Biological Sciences, she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams studying freshwater ecosystems, including hydrology, biodiversity, and human-environment interactions.