Faculty
Dr. Chris Tonra
Chair, ORWRP
Associate Professor, SENR, Avian Wildlife Ecology
I am an avian ecologist that primarily studies the annual cycles and habitat ecology of migratory birds. Over the past 20 years, I have conducted research in a multitude of systems such as mangroves, riparian forest, and the Lake Erie marshes. Since I arrived at OSU in 2014, I have been teaching, conducting research, and participating in outreach at the Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park. This unique facility has both a history and enormous potential in advancing our understanding of emergent wetlands, rivers, bottomland forest, and associate habitats, particularly in an urban context. Our research informs stewardship of these ecosystems and our educational and outreach missions will engage multiple generations of the public and future scientists and land managers. Together with our Leadership Committee I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead this one of kind facility in furthering our mission. Please come visit us to learn more!
Staff
Keara Stanislawczyk
Instructional Aid Associate Specialist
I am the instructional aid for SENR courses at the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park as well as at F.T. Stone Laboratory. I have a MSc in environmental science with a focus on aquatic invasive species and I have worked primarily in the Great Lakes region. In the past I have worked as an aquatic technician for several different projects including detection of novel aquatic invasive species within ballast water of Canadian freighters in the Great Lakes, and studying the toxicity and impact of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie’s western basin. I am excited to work in riverine and wetland ecosystems and to work with the next generation of scientists at Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park.
Not pictured: Glenn Mills, Facility Manager
Student Interns
Sammy Murray
Outreach Intern
I am a fifth year studying Wildlife Science at Ohio State, with an interest in wildlife conservation, environmental restoration, and education. I grew up loving animals and always enjoyed observing and caring for them. As I got older, I grew to appreciate the outdoors and how everything is connected and works together to create this world we live in. I realized that I wanted to be more involved in managing and protecting the environment and everything in it, while also educating others. I get to further pursue my passions while working as an outreach intern at the ORWRP by leading tours, educational programs, and running the social media platforms. Every day I get to see something new and share these amazing experiences on our socials for the public to see and enjoy! It is a wonderful experience!
Shelby Myers
Outreach Intern
I am a second-year graduate student in the professional Master of Environment and Natural Resources program at Ohio State, where I am focusing on environmental outreach with an interest in wildlife conservation. Growing up in an area surrounded by nature, I have always been interested in protecting and learning from the land around us. I first came to the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park during the second to last semester of my undergraduate career at Ohio State, and I immediately loved it. After that first visit, I began spending more and more time at the park, both in and out of the classroom. I am so excited to continue growing my skills in outreach, scientific communication, and environmental education as an outreach intern by helping to develop new and exciting educational programs and promoting the ORWRP mission through our website. Keep an eye on our website and social media for future events and programs!
Samuel Stachler
Terrestrial Research Intern
I am a fourth year Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife student specializing in Forest Ecosystem Science and Management. I am currently the president of the Forestry Forum and the student chapter of Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) at Ohio State University. I am interested in studying oak restoration on post-agricultural lands. My favorite part of working at the ORWRP is helping to establish long term monitoring research to better understand the benefits of wetland restoration.
Joshua Kirchhofer
Site Management Intern
I am a third year studying Forest Ecosystem Science and Management. Working at the ORWRP is great because it feels like you are in a little oasis away from the rest of Columbus, and it’s right up the Olentangy trail from campus. I love walking the trails here and looking at all the towering trees and abundant wildlife. My favorite part of working at the wetlands is that I get to work outdoors, whether it’s maintaining the park or collecting data. Upon graduation, I aspire to work as a forester.
Chris Kalman
Aquatics Research Intern
I am a third year Environmental Science student and member of the Peer Leaders and Ambassadors Program in SENR. I’m keeping an open mind about what I want to do with my career, but I have a strong interest and background in aquatic ecology. I am also interested in terrestrial restoration. My favorite part about working at the wetlands is probably the variety of things to be done. We conduct work on so many different aspects of the ecosystem around the facility and beyond, so it feels like there is always something to dive into and be excited about here!