COLSA Research Directory

  • Students harvesting Brussels sprouts as part of COLSA research at Woodman farm

COLSA scientists conduct research on a wide array of issues in areas of human and animal health, sustainable food production and nutrition, natural resource and wildlife management, and environmental quality. Learn about the research that’s pushing the scientific frontiers that will help overcome challenges and capture critical opportunities to improve the lives and livelihoods of communities in New Hampshire and beyond.

Please note: This directory launched August 2022 and it is not yet a comprehensive list of research work performed across COLSA. You can find a more complete inventory of research conducted by COLSA researchers on the COLSA FindScholars webpage and on the biography webpages of individual faculty members.

Do you have content that you'd like to publish within this directory? Fill out our Research Spotlight intake form. You can contact Nick Gosling or Sarah Schaier with any questions.

Aquaculture gear used for growing oysters in marine environments.
Oyster Farm Gear Can Enhance Seaweed Biodiversity in Great Bay Estuary
Oyster farm gear in Great Bay Estuary boosts seaweed biodiversity and biomass, surpassing natural habitats like mudflats, but non-native seaweeds domi... Learn More
Researchers studying Vibrio bacteria in aquaculture systems to ensure food safety.
Tracking Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Northeast Oysters
Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Great Bay Estuary oysters has declined since 2017. Localized monitoring reveals no invasive Pacific strains, emphasizing st... Learn More
Aquaculture researchers harvesting oysters from submerged cages in a New Hampshire estuary, contributing to sustainable seafood production and water quality improvement initiatives.
The Human Dimensions of Aquaculture
Research highlights gender inequities in New England's aquaculture sector. Women oyster farmers face barriers but lead in production and marketin... Learn More
Research on oyster health and their resilience to changing environmental conditions.
Pathogen Presence in Great Bay Estuary: Implications for Oyster Restoration
High levels of MSX and Dermo pathogens in Great Bay Estuary waters threaten oyster restoration efforts. Resistant strains and continuous monitoring ar... Learn More
Invasive crab species posing challenges to aquaculture ecosystems in New Hampshire.
First Documentation of Mating Blue Crabs in Great Bay Estuary
First mated blue crabs documented in Great Bay Estuary, NH, highlight habitat expansion. Continued monitoring is vital to manage potential ecological ... Learn More
Researchers from the University of New Hampshire conducting core sampling in a coastal marsh to examine for microplastics as part of environmental conservation efforts.
Assessing Microplastic Pollution in New England's Estuaries
Microplastics are present in over 98% of New England estuary samples, with Hampton-Seabrook Estuary showing the highest concentrations. Seasonal peaks... Learn More
Steelhead trout in an aquaculture facility, part of research on sustainable fish farming.
Lumpfish as a Biocontrol for Sea Lice Parasites in Steelhead Trout Farms
Lumpfish reduced sea lice infestations by 37% in steelhead trout farms. Kelp hides enhanced effectiveness, supporting sustainable aquaculture and pest... Learn More
Lumpfish swimming in a tank as part of research on their use in aquaculture for pest control.
Climate Change Shifts Lumpfish Distribution in the Gulf of Maine
Climate change is shifting lumpfish distribution northeast in the Gulf of Maine, impacting aquaculture and fisheries. Study reveals warming's rol... Learn More
A female scientist stands over a pond and gathers a water sample from the pond. She stands along the shore bank. In the background is a tree line and in the foreground is a beach.
Monitoring Lake Cyanobacteria Blooms Using Unmanned Aerial Systems
Unmanned aerial systems with multispectral sensors provide a rapid, safe, and effective way to monitor harmful cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire l... Learn More
A pond surface covered in bright green duckweed.
Plant Responses to an Urbanization Contaminant
Explore how zinc pollution disrupts duckweed-microbiome interactions in urban waterways, revealing indirect impacts on aquatic plant traits and ecosys... Learn More
A dam in which a heavy flow of water runs over and a tree is trapped halfway upon the dam structure.
The Role of Watersheds in Mitigating Impacts of Climatic Extremes
Learn how watersheds mitigate extreme weather impacts on nutrient transport, influencing water quality and ecosystem health in New England’s aquatic s... Learn More
A network of rivers winds through green and yellow foliage, creating a mosaic-like formation.
Examining Drivers of Carbon and Nitrogen Availability in Freshwater Ecosystems at Different Spatial Scales
Investigate how climate, soil, and watershed traits drive carbon and nitrogen availability in streams, highlighting scale-dependent dynamics for ecosy... Learn More
Several water collectors sit on platforms above the canopies of deciduous and pine trees.
Climate Change and Its Effects on Nitrogen Dynamics in Precipitation
Explore how climate change impacts nitrogen dynamics in precipitation, shifting seasonal patterns and affecting ecosystems in NH’s Lamprey River water... Learn More
A water quality sensor attached to floats and a pole stuck into a muddy brown river surrounded by forests.
Adapting an Open-source Carbon Dioxide Sensor for Streams and Rivers
Discover how adapted CO2 sensors enable accurate monitoring of emissions in streams, aiding climate action plans and improving global carbon cycle mod... Learn More
An image showing presence of oyster diseases, creating by aquaculture researcher Bonnie Brown
Farming and Restoration in Great Bay Estuary
Dr. Bonnie Brown and her colleagues study the many factors impacting the health and growth of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in New Hampshire... Learn More
COLSA aquaculture researcher Ray Grizzle (right) and a student looking through oyster shells
The Importance of Cultivated Eastern Oysters in Great Bay
Dr. Ray Grizzle and his colleagues at the University of New Hampshire study the many ecological services offered by eastern oysters and how they can s... Learn More
An image of a finfish, photographed by aquaculture researcher David Berlinsky.
Using Fish Physiology to Help Growers of Commercially Important Species
Optimizing culture conditions and strains is necessary to assure adequate growth and survival of fishes cultured for food and for stock restoration. T... Learn More
COLSA aquaculture researcher Elizabeth Fairchild holding a lumpfish
Using Lumpfish in Aquaculture Production
UNH has been working with the New England aquaculture industry (salmon farmers in Maine and steelhead trout farmers in NH) to promote the use of Lumpf... Learn More
A thumbnail of a truck selling fresh vegetables on a roadside
Unveiling the challenges of farm viability in New England
COLSA research: Enhancing New England's local food production: A study on farmers' livelihood strategies and the challenges of achieving far... Learn More
A thumbnail of a person shopping at a farmers market
Enhancing public engagement in alternative food networks
COLSA research: Unlocking the potential of alternative food networks in New England: Strategies for engaging diverse consumers and promoting sustainab... Learn More