CarmellaÌýVizzaÌýPH.D.
College of Natural and Computational Sciences - Department of Natural Science
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
EDUCATION:
- Ph.D., Biogeochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Å·ÃÀAƬ of Notre Dame, 2018
- B.S., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane Å·ÃÀAƬ, 2008
COURSES TAUGHT:
- BIOL 3081 Ecology Lab
- CHEM 1020 Introduction to Chemistry and the Environment
- ENVS 2001 Introduction to Environmental Science Lab
- ENVS 3003 Applications of Environmental Science Lab
- ENVS 3010 Environmental Impact Assessment
- ENVS 3600 Natural Resource Management
- NSCI 6900 Master's Research
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:
Biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, water quality, wetland conservation, environmental performance of bioenergy crops, nitrogen fixation, methane production and emissions
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
As a science teacher, my three goals for students are (1) to provide opportunities for experiential learning, (2) to develop their critical thinking, technical writing, and scientific communication skills, and (3) to cultivate scientific values in the classroom. A world inhabited by students armed with these skills is a world with the potential to flourish, innovate, and solve daunting challenges, both in science and in other fields. Science, especially, is tasked with addressing some of society’s most complex issues, such as climate change and vector-borne diseases. As a discipline, science is also facing a reputation problem due to cases of fraud and “scientists for hire” who dismantle sound research for financial gain. To improve science’s reputation and solve these complicated problems, professors must mold a future generation of scientists with excellent communication skills, intellectual creativity and honesty, and the courageous leadership to drive solutions.
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am a biogeochemist who works at the interface of ecosystem and microbial ecology using comparative, experimental, and mathematical modeling approaches in a variety of ecosystems.
My current projects include:
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Developing an ecosystem monitoring program for the adaptive management of Kalou loʻi and loko wai in Waialeʻe
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Assessing the effects of Genki balls, a form of bioremediation, on water quality and microbial communities in Kawainui
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Determining which environmental factors influence the presence of Leptospira pathogens in loʻi, loko iʻa, and wetland environments
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Linking water quality and biogeochemistry to avian botulism outbreaks
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Examining the importance of nitrogen fixation in switchgrass, a potential bioenergy crop, and its response to changing precipitation patterns
Prior to my Ph.D., I worked at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center where I examined the role of nutrients brought by Chinook salmon from the ocean to stream ecosystems where they spawn.
