Dr. Nowlin is an ecosystem and community ecologist, specializing in aquatic ecosystems. Research in the Nowlin is largely centered on the role of organisms and communities in affecting ecosystem-level processes like nutrient cycling and organic matter flows.

In addition, the lab is interested in how biotic and abiotic factors affect the abundance, distribution, and diversity of organisms in ecosystems. In order to address these research areas, we utilize a variety of methods and research approaches, including nutrient biogeochemistry, whole ecosystem metabolism and material flux studies, and the use of stable isotopes.

Research in the Nowlin lab takes place in a variety of ecosystem types and at a diversity of scales. We conduct research in wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. We also conduct research in small laboratory-based studies, field-based experimental systems, and at the whole-ecosystem scale.