Chris Filstrup Ph.D.

Chris Filstrup headshot
Professional Title
Applied Limnologist

Chris is a lake scientist specializing in harmful algal bloom ecology, nutrient cycling in lakes, watershed nutrient reduction strategies, and freshwater resources management. His research interests take him from small farm ponds to Lake Superior. He also specializes in working with large datasets to investigate how climate and land use interactions affect water quality across the continental US.

Chris also directs the Central Analytical Lab, a state-certified water chemistry laboratory. Members of his team specialize in lake and stream monitoring and assessment, high resolution monitoring networks, analytical chemistry, and algal identification.

Current projects in the lab include identifying drivers of algal bloom toxicity using molecular techniques, investigating underwater light climate and phytoplankton distribution in the Laurentian Great Lakes, monitoring watershed nutrient and sediment loads in streams, and assessing lake health. Lab members also collaborate on projects ranging from developing stormwater management strategies and nutrient reduction technologies, to studying the fate and transport of road salt in aquatic ecosystems, to identifying factors causing rip currents in Lake Superior.

Education

  • Postdoctoral, Iowa State University, 2010-2016
  • Ph.D., Biology, Baylor University, Awarded 2009
  • B.S., Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Awarded 1998

Resources

Recent Publications

Chlorophyll a relationships with nutrients and temperature, and predictions for lakes across perialpine and Balkan mountain regions

Recent Publications: Christopher Filstrup
4 years 10 months ago
Chlorophyll a relationships with nutrients and temperature, and predictions for lakes across perialpine and Balkan mountain regionsKärcher, O., Filstrup, C. T., Brauns, M., Tasevska, O., Patceva, S., Hellwig, N., Walz, A., Frank, K. & Markovic, D., Jan 2 2020, In: Inland Waters. 10, 1, p. 29-41 13 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Comparison of total nitrogen data from direct and Kjeldahl-based approaches in integrated data sets

Recent Publications: Christopher Filstrup
4 years 11 months ago
Comparison of total nitrogen data from direct and Kjeldahl-based approaches in integrated data setsStanley, E. H., Rojas-Salazar, S., Lottig, N. R., Schliep, E. M., Filstrup, C. T. & Collins, S. M., Dec 1 2019, In: Limnology and Oceanography: Methods. 17, 12, p. 639-649 11 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Featured Research Projects

Minnesota Natural Resource Atlas screen capture showing geological map of Minnesota

Minnesota Natural Resource Atlas

Online mapping tools and data for natural resource planning, management, and research in Minnesota.

NRRI News Articles

A woman balances a clear tube holding water on a bridge barrier over water.

Keeping watch on rivers

NRRI contributes to state’s long-term stream and river monitoring efforts.

Three people in PPE on the deck of a ship stand around a four-legged contraption

What chemicals are lurking (and where) in our Great Lakes?

NRRI’s early data analyses show surprising concentrations in the deep middle of lake, not just near shore

A man stands at a podium with a microphone in front of a presentation slide.

Sharing and connecting at the St. Louis River Summit

NRRI scientists present findings on projects with broader water community.

Media Coverage