Dominic Chaloner

Dominic Chaloner is Professor of the Practice in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where he has held various academic positions since 2000. He is also the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Environmental Sciences since 2017. His research and teaching are central to the College of Science and the Stream and Wetland Ecology Laboratory.

Research Interests: Chaloner's work focuses on the ecological impact of Pacific salmon as nutrient vectors, ecosystem engineers, and biotransporters of contaminants. He investigates how salmon migrations influence stream ecosystems in Southeast Alaska and the Great Lakes, particularly through nutrient subsidies and contaminant transfer. His research also explores intellectual virtues in science education, promoting curiosity, humility, and honesty in undergraduate science curricula.

Publication Trends: His recent publications show a strong emphasis on salmon-mediated nutrient and contaminant dynamics, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. Key themes include nutrient subsidies, contaminant biotransport (especially POPs and PFAS), food web responses, and the role of environmental DNA (eDNA) in conservation. His work combines field ecology, modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches.

• Dockweiler Award for Undergraduate Advising (2021)

Advising and Grants: Chaloner has been actively involved in mentoring through the GLOBES interdisciplinary graduate program. His research is supported by major external funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, USDA Forest Service, National Sea Grant, USGS, EPA (Great Lakes Restoration Initiative), and the Department of Defense (SERDP). These grants support diverse projects including Alaska wetland ecology, contaminant monitoring, coastal wetland restoration, and eDNA applications.

Labs and Teams: He leads the Stream and Wetland Ecology Laboratory at Notre Dame, which conducts field and lab-based research on aquatic ecosystems. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly through the GLOBES program, integrating ecological, genomic, economic, and policy perspectives to address environmental challenges.