David B. Arscott

David B. Arscott, Ph.D., is an **Adjunct Assistant Professor** in the Department of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania and serves as **President & Executive Director** of the Stroud Water Research Center. His research focuses on freshwater ecology, aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity, ecohydrology, and riverine landscape dynamics. Arscott holds a Ph.D. in Freshwater Ecology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), an M.S. in Water Resources Management from the University of New Hampshire, and a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, and Conservation from Central Michigan University.

**Research Interests**: His work spans aquatic primary production, fish and algal ecology, habitat conservation, and land-water interactions. He has conducted research globally, from the Arctic tundra to the Southern Alps and Antarctica. Key areas include ecohydrology, riverine ecosystem resilience, and the impact of human activities on water quality.

**Publications & Projects**: Arscott has authored/co-authored studies on fecal bacteria in water systems, community science-driven sensor data, and watershed management strategies. He leads the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, focusing on pollution assessment and restoration. His recent work emphasizes the role of upstream ecology in achieving Clean Water Act goals.

**Leadership & Awards**: Elected President of the Society for Freshwater Science (2024), Arscott has held leadership roles at the University of Minnesota, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand), and Stroud Center. He advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to address global water challenges.

**Grants & Initiatives**: Led projects funded by the William Penn Foundation and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, including watershed restoration, soil health improvement, and educational outreach. The Stroud Center’s solar energy initiative under his leadership aims to reduce its carbon footprint.

**Labs/Teams**: Coordinates the Fish Ecology Group at Stroud Center, advancing research on freshwater ecosystems through innovative technologies like EnviroDIY sensor stations and Model My Watershed tools.