Elizabeth Alexson M.S.

Elizabeth Alexson headshot
Professional Title
Research Staff Scientist, Aquatic Scientist

Elizabeth is interested in anthropogenic and natural influences on freshwater ecosystems using algae as indicators, with particular interest in the ecology and taxonomy of phytoplankton in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Her skillset includes phytoplankton taxonomic identification and enumeration, high-resolution microscopy and imagery, and field and laboratory techniques associated with paleolimnological and phytoplankton investigations.

Education

  • M.S. Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2016
  • B.S. Environmental Geosciences, Northland College, 2014

Resources

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Publications

Google Scholar profile

Dolichospermum blooms in Lake Superior: DNA-based approach provides insight to the past, present and future of blooms

Recent Publications: Elizabeth Alexson
8 months ago
Dolichospermum blooms in Lake Superior: DNA-based approach provides insight to the past, present and future of bloomsSheik, C. S., Natwora, K. E., Alexson, E. E., Callaghan, J. D., Sailer, A., Schreiner, K. M., Steinman, B. A., Finkenbinder, M. S., Filstrup, C. T. & Bramburger, A. J., Oct 2022, In: Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48, 5, p. 1191-1205 15 p.

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

Revision of the needle-shaped Fragilaria species (Fragilariaceae, Bacillariophyta) in the Laurentian Great Lakes (United States of America, Canada)

Recent Publications: Elizabeth Alexson
10 months ago
Revision of the needle-shaped Fragilaria species (Fragilariaceae, Bacillariophyta) in the Laurentian Great Lakes (United States of America, Canada)Alexson, E. E., Reavie, E. D., Van de Vijver, B., Wetzel, C. E., Ector, L., Wellard Kelly, H. A., Aliff, M. N. & Estepp, L. R., Aug 2022, In: Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48, 4, p. 999-1020 22 p.

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

Analysis of the type of Synedra acus var. ostenfeldii (Bacillariophyta) and its transfer to the genus Fragilaria

Recent Publications: Elizabeth Alexson
2 years 6 months ago
Analysis of the type of Synedra acus var. ostenfeldii (Bacillariophyta) and its transfer to the genus FragilariaVan de Vijver, B., Alexson, E. E., Reavie, E. D., Straub, F., Jónsson, G. S. & Ector, L., Nov 23 2020, In: Botany Letters. 168, 1, p. 85-95 11 p.

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

Paleolimnology of a freshwater estuary to inform Area of Concern nutrient delisting efforts

Recent Publications: Elizabeth Alexson
5 years 3 months ago
Paleolimnology of a freshwater estuary to inform Area of Concern nutrient delisting effortsAlexson, E. E., Reavie, E. D., Axler, R. P., Yemets, S. V., Krasutsky, P. A., Edlund, M. B., Pillsbury, R. W. & Desotelle, D., Mar 1 2018, In: Journal of Paleolimnology. 59, 3, p. 373-395 23 p.

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

NRRI News Articles

June 29, 2022

NRRI receives $3M to continue monitoring bottom of Great Lakes food chain

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3 million to NRRI in June to fund monitoring of the bottom of the food chain in the Great Lakes.

Woman sits a desk with microscope on it; dog at her feet.
October 2, 2020

Meet the Researcher: Elizabeth Alexson, Aquatic Scientist

Bottom of food web keeps aquatic scientist Elizabeth Alexson at the top of her game.

Woman seated in lab in front of a microscope.
May 1, 2019

NRRI scientists name new algae species

When a tiny, single-celled enigma showed up in the Great Lakes it meant something big. And it led to the naming of a news species.

Media Coverage