We aim to understand how urbanization affects biodiversity and ecological function in urban green spaces and freshwater ecosystems.
Learning Resources
Urban green spaces
Pollinator movement in New York City (aka “Bug Roads”)
Insect pollinators (e.g., bees and butterflies) are important components of natural ecosystems and green spaces are important for the maintenance of pollinator biodiversity. However, green spaces are not evenly distributed in New York City and there are potential barriers, like buildings, to pollinator movement. These factors may make it harder for pollinators to find those green spaces.
Using GIS software and shortest-distance algorithms (think Google Maps), we are modeling the distance insects need to travel between points in the city and green spaces while also navigating building-lined streets. We are calling these paths “bug roads” and we are using this information to identify important green spaces (shortest bug roads) and viability of locations for pollinator houses and urban bee hives throughout the five boroughs, starting with Manhattan.
Biodiversity in small green spaces
Green spaces in cities are import for many reasons, including providing a bit of nature for city residents and providing ecosystem services that have previously been lost through the process of urbanization. These services include climate control, stormwater management, and carbon sequestration. Biodiversity is also a ecosystem service, providing things like pollination and pest control.
A lot of attention has been given to large green areas like city parks. Urban farms and green roofs are also increasing in popularity. However, little is known about the function of micro-green spaces like tree pits for supporting biodiversity. This project aims to describe insect communities in tree pits throughout New York City and assess their potential for providing ecosystem services.
Recent publications
Lundquist MJ, Lovejoy PC, Fay BG, Madrid M (2024) Bug roads: Modeling the connectivity of green spaces and pollinator habitat in a large city using Open GIS data and tools. In review.
Lundquist MJ, Weisend MR, and Kenmore HH (2022) Insect biodiversity in urban tree pit habitats. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening (78) 127788
Current research
Urban Rivers
Effects of urbanization on stream biodiversity and food webs
Watershed urbanization can impact the richness and abundance of both predators and their prey in aquatic ecosystems. The Bronx River is greatly impacted by both. Fish in the Bronx river, including blacknose dace, alewife, and American eel, which are of conservation importance, rely on aquatic macroinvertebrates as a food source. We are exploring the impact that urbanization has on stream food webs by studying macroinvertebrate biodiversity and analyzing the gut content of Bronx River fish.
Recent publications
Lundquist MJ, Scott EA (2023) Patterns of aquatic insect biodiversity in the highly urbanized Bronx River, NY. Northeastern Naturalist (30) 122-134
Lundquist MJ, Zhu W (2019) Aquatic insect diversity in streams across a rural–urban land-use discontinuum. Hydrobiologia (837) 15-30
Lundquist MJ, Zhu W (2018) Aquatic insect functional diversity and nutrient content in urban streams in a medium-sized city. Ecosphere (9) e02284
Current research
Science pedagogy
Utilizing emerging technologies in the delivery and teaching of science concepts
We have been working on ways to integrate technology into both in-person and remote classrooms. In particular, we are looking to devise ways of including big data analysis, programming, and AI tools into science classrooms.
Recent publication
Lundquist MJ and Aguanno A (2024) Here and there: a novel hybrid remote/in-person college-level science lab model at a small, primarily undergraduate institution. Journal of College Science Teaching (53) 205-210.
Principal Investigator
Class of ’25
Class of ’26
Post-bac
Class of ‘24
Class of ‘24
Class of ‘22
Class of ’21
Class of ‘20
Class of ‘20