About

Urbanization is increasing around the world and understanding the impacts that cities have on the natural world is extremely important. My lab aims to understand how urbanization affects the diversity and ecological function in freshwater ecosystems, particularly in headwater streams. We are also interested in how urban green spaces impact the ecology of cities and how effective they are in replicating natural ecosystems.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Matthew J. Lundquist

Dr. Lundquist is an Assistant Professor and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at Marymount Manhattan College. He is interested in the ecological impacts of urbanization. Particularly the biodiversity and ecological functions in urban freshwaters.

Email: [email protected]

Current students

Juliet Hernandez (‘25)

Juliet is a second-year double majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies, with hopes of pursuing more education after completing her undergraduate program. Coming from Colorado, she has spent a lot of time exploring nature and educating others about protecting the environment. She is most eager to learn about chemical ecology and the urban ecosystem, along with gaining experience in field and laboratory work.

Isabelle Fehr (Post-bac scholar)

Isabelle is a post-baccalaureate student in Biology discovering her love for all-things biology and rediscovering her obsession with information. She is particularly interested in ecological DNA and genetics analysis. She plans to move on to further education in research with the eventual goal of becoming a Physician.

Brianna Fay (’26)

Brianna is a second-year student majoring in Biology, with the goal of enrolling in a master’s program following the completion of her undergraduate program. She is particularly interested in cellular and molecular biology. She is eager to learn more about urban ecology and how to conduct research in biology.

Emily Westpfal (’26)

Emily is a second-year biology student with minors in dance and chemistry. Post undergrad, she plans to pursue an optometry degree. Emily is excited to participate in scientific research and learn more about New York’s urban environment.