Program Faculty

The Systems Ecology Intercollegiate Graduate Program is comprised of a collective group of faculty from across campus who advise and guide students accepted to the Systems Ecology graduate program. Faculty come from across campus,  ranging from the W.A. Franke College of Forestry, the Division of Biological Sciences, The School of Business, School of Journalism,  Departments of Environmental Science, Geography, Economics. University faculty apply to become part of the Systems Ecology faculty, and are accepted based on their topical area of research and teaching relevant to systems ecology, and scholarly performance. View the Faculty Guidelines.


Lisa Eby

Professor of Aquatic Ecology; Undergraduate Program Director, Ecosystem Science & Restoration

Contact

Office
BioResearch 103
Phone
(406) 243-5984
Email
lisa.eby@umontana.edu
Office Hours

Monday and Wednesday 1:00-2:00 or by appointment

Personal Summary

Lisa Eby completed her Bachelor’s and Masters of Science (B.S. and M.S.) at the University of Wisconsin, her Ph.D. at Duke University in Aquatic Ecology and a postdoctoral appointment at Arizona State University. She is currently a professor of Aquatic Ecology in the Wildlife Biology Program and Director of the Ecosystem Science and Restoration Program. Her research questions are focused at the intersection areas that advance our ecological knowledge and increase our understanding around conservation and management issues in aquatic systems. Currently her research lab addresses questions that span a range of questions from genes to ecosystems primarily focused on understanding the drivers of aquatic populations and communities. Two examples include (1) examining how humans are shifting drivers of population and community dynamics through landscape changes and alteration to disturbance regimes and (2) working to improve our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary tradeoffs in cutthroat hybridization versus isolation management approaches. She is honored to have been awarded the American Fisheries Society Excellence in Fisheries Education Award in 2017.

Education

Ph.D. Ecology, Duke University 2001
M.S. Limnology and Oceanography, University of Wisconsin 1995
B.S. Zoology, University of Wisconsin 1991

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Courses

Fish Biology and Management (BIOO 340, 4 cr): This class explores the biology of fishes, the most diverse group of vertebrates. The areas treated include morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations of fishes to their aquatic environments, as well as aspects of population, community, and applied ecology. We will be discussing both freshwater and marine fishes with an emphasis placed on freshwater fishes native to Montana.

Advanced Fisheries (WILD 408, 3 cr): This course introduces some of the fundamental principles of inland fisheries ecology and management. Through a case study approach I hope that you begin to understand (1) the quantitative nature of fish population assessment, (2) the complexity of ecological interactions linking fish to other components of aquatic communities and ecosystems, and (3) the challenge of balancing multiple human values in managing fisheries resources.

Elements of Ecological Restoration (NRSM 265, 3 cr, co-teach): Overview of the natural and social science elements of ecological restoration, including the ecological foundations of restoration, practices used to restore terrestrial and aquatic habitats, philosophical and ethical challenges involved, and current initiatives in Montana and the United States. Includes Saturday field trips.

Fisheries Field Interships (WILD 398/NRSM 398, variable credit): In this internship is arranged with a management agency, NGO, or other sponsor (coordinated by students). The goal is to provide the student with hands-on experience as varied as possible, subject to seasonal opportunities. The student must (1) work 120 hours, (2) meet with me periodically throughout the semester to discuss their activities and progress, and (3) submit a review paper regarding a fisheries issue they encountered during their internship.

Graduate Courses

Research Design (WILD 540, 3 cr): In this graduate class we review scientific methods, critically thinking about questions posed in research, and the approach taken to collect data to answer them. Specifically we explore issues of scientific inference, examine classic experimental and survey design, and investigate quasi-experiments. Within this class the students review literature in their field, practice designing experiments and surveys, as well as analyzing data.

Aquatic Ecology Seminar (WILD 568, 1 cr): Review and synthesis of the scientific literature current issues and analyses in aquatic ecology. We assume a general understanding of fish biology, aquatic ecology, as well as a background in population, community and ecosystem ecological concepts.
 

Research Interests

Aquatic Ecology and Fish Ecology
Population and Community Ecology
Food web interactions
Influence of landscape and habitat changes on aquatic systems

Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Selected Publications

Colvin, S. A., Sullivan, S. M. P., Shirey, P. D., Colvin, R. W., Winemiller, K. O., Hughes, R. M., ... & Danehy, R. J. 2019. Headwater Streams and Wetlands are Critical for Sustaining Fish, Fisheries, and Ecosystem Services. Fisheries, 44(2), 73-91.
 
Landers, J., Sullivan, S., Eby, L., Wilcox, A. C., & Langner, H. 2019. Metal contamination and food web changes alter exposure to upper trophic levels in upper Blackfoot River basin streams, Montana. Hydrobiologia, 830(1), 93-113.
 
Carim, K. J., Vindenes, Y., Eby, L. A., Barfoot, C., & Vøllestad, L. A. 2017. Life history, population viability, and the potential for local adaptation in isolated trout populations. Global ecology and conservation, 10, 93-102.
 
Deacy, W.W., W.B. Leacock, L.A. Eby, and J.A. Stanford. 2016. A time-lapse photography method for monitoring salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) passage and abundance in streams.  PeerJ, 4, e2120.
 
Carim, K., L. Eby, C. Barfoot, M Boyer. 2016. Consistent loss of genetic diversity in isolated cutthroat trout populations independent of habitat size and quality Conservation Genetics 17. doi:10.1007/s10592-016-0867-9.
 
Abigail J. Lynch, Bonnie J. E. Myers, Cindy Chu, Lisa A. Eby,  Jeffrey A. Falke, Ryan P. Kovach, Trevor J. Krabbenhoft, Thomas J. Kwak,  John Lyons, Craig P. Paukert, and James E. Whitney. 2016. Climate change effects on North American inland fish populations and assemblages. Fisheries 41:346-361.

McCaffery, M. and Eby, L.A. 2016. Beaver activity increases aquatic subsidies to terrestrial consumers. Freshwater Biology 61: 518–532. doi:10.1111/fwb.12725

Hutto, R. L., R. E. Keane, R. L. Sherriff, C. T. Rota, L. A. Eby, and V. A. Saab. 2016. Toward a more ecologically informed view of severe forest fires. Ecosphere 7(2):e01255. 10.1002/ecs2.1255

Murphy, D., Wyborn, C., Yung, L., Williams, D.R., Cleveland, C.C., Eby, L.A., Dobrowski, S., & E. Towler. 2016 Engaging Communities and Climate Futures with Multi-Scale, Iterative Scenario Building (MISB) in the Western US. Human Organization doi: 0018-7259/16/010033-14

Malison, R.L., L.A. Eby & J.A. Stanford. 2015. Juvenile salmonid growth, survival, and production in a large river floodplain modified by beavers (Castor canadensis).  Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences doi: 10.1139/cjfas-2015-0147

Eby, L.A., R. Pierce, M. Sparks, K. Carim, and C. Podner. 2015. Multi-scale prediction of whirling disease risk in the Blackfoot River Basin Montana: A useful consideration for restoration prioritization?  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society:144(4):753-766.

Carim, K., L.A. Eby, and R. Pierce. 2015. Does whirling disease mediate hybridization between native and nonnative trout?  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 35:337-351.

Eby, L. A., Helmy, O., Holsinger, L. M., & Young, M. K. 2014. Evidence of Climate-Induced Range Contractions in Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus in a Rocky Mountain Watershed, USA. PloS one, 9(6), e98812.

Holsinger, L., Keane, R. E., Isaak, D. J., Eby, L., & Young, M. K. 2014. Relative effects of climate change and wildfires on stream temperatures: a simulation modeling approach in a Rocky Mountain watershed. Climatic Change, 1-16.

McCaffery, R.M., L.A. Eby, B.A. Maxell, and P. S. Corn.  2014.  Breeding site heterogeneity reduces frog recruitment and population dynamics.  Biological Conservation.  170:169-176.

LeMoine, M. M.K. Young, K.S. McKelvey, L.A.Eby, K.L. Pilgraim, and M. K. Schwartz.  2014. Cottus schitsuumsh, a new species of sculpin (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) in the Columbia River basin, Idaho-Montana, USA.  Zootaxa.  3755:241-258.

Stafford, C.P, M.V. McPhee, L.A. Eby, and F.W. Allendorf.  2013. Introduced lake trout exhibit life history and morphological divergence with depth.  Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (accepted May 2013, available online now).

Corsi, M .P., L.A. Eby, C.A. Barfoot.  2013.  Hybridization with rainbow trout alters life history traits of native westslope cutthroat trout. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 70:895-904

Nyce, L.G., L.A. Eby, C.G. Clancy, S.Painter, R.F. Leary. 2013.  Genetic population structure of bull trout in the East Fork Bitterroot River Drainage, Montana.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:432-445.

Kovach, R.P., L.A. Eby, M.P. Corsi. 2011. Hybridization between Yellowstone cutthroat and rainbow trout in the upper Snake basin, WY.  North American Journal of Fisheries Management 31:1077-1087.

Mahlum, S.K., L.A. Eby, M.K. Young, C. G. Clancy, M. Jakober.  2011. Effects of Wildfire on Stream Temperatures in the Bitterroot River Basin, Montana.  International Journal of Wildland Fire 20:240-247.

B.R. Hossack, L.A. Eby, C.G. Guscio, and P.S. Corn.  2009. Thermal characteristics of amphibian microhabitats in a fire-disturbed landscape.  Forest Ecology and Management 258:1414-1421.

Guscio, C.G., B.R. Hossack, L.A. Eby, P.S. Corn.  2008.  Post-breeding habitat use by adult boreal toads (Bufo boreas) after wildlife in Glacier National Park, U.S.A.  Herpetological Conservation and Biology.

McCaffery, M., T.A. Switalski, L.A Eby. 2007. Effects of road decommissioning on stream habitat characteristics in the South Fork Flathead River, Montana. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:553-561.

L.A. Eby, W. J. Roach, L.B. Crowder, and J.A. Stanford. 2006. Stocking up freshwater food webs: effects on food web and ecosystem functioning. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 21:576-584.

Aumann, C.A., L.A. Eby, and W.F. Fagan. 2006. How transient patches affect population dynamics: the case of hypoxia and blue crabs. Ecological Monographs 76(3):415-438.

Hans W. Paerl, L.M. Valdes, A.R. Joyner, B.L. Peierls, M.F. Piehler, S.R. Riggs, R.R. Christian, L.A. Eby, L.B. Crowder, J.S. Ramus, E.J. Clesceri, C.P. Buzzelli, R.A. Luettich, Jr. 2006. Ecological impacts of a recent increase in frequency of Atlantic hurricanes in the Pamlico Sound System, NC: Implications for Assessment and Management of Large Estuaries.  Estuaries 29(S).

Eby, L.A., L.B. Crowder, C.M. McClellan, C.H. Peterson, and M.J. Powers. 2005. Habitat degradation from intermittent hypoxia: impacts on demersal estuarine fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 291:249-262.

Eby, L.A., and L.B. Crowder. 2004. Effects of hypoxic disturbances on an estuarine fish and crustacean community: a multi-scale approach. Estuaries 27(2): 342-351

Eby, L.A., W.F. Fagan, W.L. Minckley. 2003. Variability and dynamics of a desert stream community.   Ecological Applications 13(6):1566-1579.

Ramus, J., L.A. Eby, C.M. McClellan, and L.B. Crowder. 2003. Phytoplankton forcing by a record freshwater discharge event into a lagoonal estuary. Estuaries 26(5):1344-1352.

Eby, L.A., and L.B. Crowder. 2002. Hypoxia-based habitat compression in the Neuse River Estuary: context-dependent shifts in behavioral avoidance thresholds. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 59:952-965.

Lewis, D.B., and L.A. Eby.   2002. Spatially heterogeneous refugia and predation risk in intertidal salt marshes. Oikos 96(1):120-130.

Selberg, C., L. Eby, and L. Crowder. 2001. Hypoxia in the Neuse River Estuary: responses of blue crabs and crabbers. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 21:358-366.

Paerl, H. W., J. D. Bales, L.W. Ausley, C.P. Buzzelli, L.B. Crowder, L.A. Eby, M. Go, B.L. Peierls, T. L. Richardson, and J.S. Ramus. 2001.   Ecosystem impacts of 3 sequential hurricanes (Dennis, Floyd and Irene) on the US's largest lagoonal estuary, Pamlico Sound, NC. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science: 98(10):5655-5660.

Paerl, H. W., J. D. Bales, L.W. Ausley, C.P. Buzzelli, L.B. Crowder, L.A. Eby, M. Go, B.L. Peierls, T. L. Richardson, and J.S. Ramus.  2000. Recent hurricanes result in continuing ecosystem impacts on USA's largest lagoonal estuary: Pamlico Sound, NC. EOS 81(40):457.

Eby, L.A., C.A. Stow, R.J. Hesselberg, and J.F. Kitchell. 1997. Interactions of growth and diet in PCB accumulation of Lake Michigan bloaters (Coregonus hoyi). Ecological Applications 7(3):981-990.

Schindler, D.E. and L.A. Eby. 1997. Interactions between growth rates and the stoichiometry of fishes and their prey: implications for nutrient recycling. Ecology 78(6):1816-1831.

Stow C.A., S.R. Carpenter, C.P. Madenjian, L.A. Eby, and L.J. Jackson. 1996. Fisheries management options to reduce human contaminant exposure from Lake Michigan fish consumption. Bioscience 45(11):752-758.

Stow C.A., S.R. Carpenter, L.A. Eby, J.F. Amhrein, and R.J. Hesselberg. 1995. Evidence that PCBs are approaching stable concentrations in Lake Michigan fishes. Ecological Applications 5(1):248-260.

Eby, L.A., L.G. Rudstam, and J.F. Kitchell. 1995. Predator responses to prey population dynamics: an empirical analysis based on lake trout growth rates. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 52:1564-1571.

Kitchell J.F., S.R. Carpenter, L.A. Eby, X. He, D.E. Schindler, and R.A. Wright. 1994. Predator-prey dynamics in an ecosystem context. Journal of Fish Biology 45(A):209-226.