Christopher Donar , B.S. , M.S. , Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Science
Arts and Sciences Department
Education:
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (1994 - 1999)
Ph. D., Natural Resources and Environment
Dissertation: Holocene Paleolimnology of Lakes in the Central Highlands Region of Florida.
Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti (1990 - 1992)
M. S., Biology
Thesis: Paleolimnology of the Ford Lake Reservoir.
Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti (1982 - 1988)
B. S., Biology
Biography:
My research interests are in the ecology, taxonomy and systematics of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) and other freshwater algae. I am particularly interested in paleolimnology and the use of diatoms to infer short-term historical changes in aquatic ecosystems due to human modification and long-term changes in response to climatic factors. I feel that among algal groups, diatoms can provide numerous research opportunities in ecological studies, paleoecology, cell physiology, and systematic biology. I have conducted field research on the growth characteristics of periphyton mats in the Florida Everglades. Presently, I am investigating the taxonomy of algal assemblages in lakes and aquatic ecosystems of Isle Royale National Park.
Born in Des Moines Iowa, raised in Southeast Michigan. I am a practicing member of the Hakuryu Karate Do and have attained the rank of Nidan, 2nd degree black belt.