Daelyn Woolnough

Daelyn Woolnough is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Michigan University, affiliated with the Institute for Great Lakes Research. Her work bridges spatial ecology and conservation, focusing on freshwater ecosystems, particularly native mussels and their host fish. She leads a dynamic research lab with multiple externally funded projects and teaches courses in population ecology, landscape ecology, and GIS.

Education:

• B.Sc. (Env), University of Guelph, 1999
• Advanced Diploma, Marine Geomatics, College of Geographic Sciences, 2000
• M.Sc. (Zoology), University of Guelph, 2002
• Ph.D. (Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology), Iowa State University, 2006
• Postdoctoral Training, Trent University, 2006–2008

Her research centers on spatial patterns in ecological systems, especially how habitat fragmentation, urbanization, and contaminants affect species distribution and persistence. She applies metapopulation theory to freshwater communities, with a focus on mollusks in Great Lakes watersheds. Her lab conducts applied research on dam removals, culvert impacts, dewatering effects, and propagation of at-risk mussels.

Current research is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She leads projects on contaminants of emerging concern, invasive species, and habitat connectivity. While no publications are listed in the provided text, her work emphasizes predictive modeling and field-based ecological assessment.

Scientific Awards:

She advises students through her Woolnough Lab, which includes current members and alumni, though specific names are not listed. Her grant-funded work supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research with state and federal agencies. She teaches Population Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Spatial Statistics, Aquatic Ecology, and GIS, integrating research and education.

The Woolnough Lab focuses on spatial ecology and conservation, with research themes in predictive modeling of endangered species, fragmentation effects, contaminants, invasive species, and freshwater mussel propagation. The lab maintains active fieldwork across Michigan watersheds and contributes to regional conservation and restoration efforts.