In the Field

From High-Desert Trout to Large-Scale Science: Welcome Dr. Zhongqi Chen to Science on the Fly
Allie Cunningham Allie Cunningham

From High-Desert Trout to Large-Scale Science: Welcome Dr. Zhongqi Chen to Science on the Fly

From watching summer fish kills in his hometown's aquaculture ponds to studying thermal adaptation in iconic Fraser River sockeye and Columbia River redband trout, Zhongqi has dedicated his career to understanding how fish handle environmental stress. Now, as a Research Scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center, he is bringing his expertise in fish physiology and stream ecology to Science on the Fly. We sat down with Zhongqi to discuss why a two-degree water temperature shift is a game-changer for wild trout, how local water sampling scales up to global conservation, and why a single bottle of water sitting in our community scientists’ freezers is a critical piece of a much bigger puzzle.

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Science on the Fly Brings Community Science to Capitol Hill
Allie Cunningham Allie Cunningham

Science on the Fly Brings Community Science to Capitol Hill

This September, Science on the Fly (SOTF) joined colleagues from Woodwell Climate Research Center for their annual Washington, D.C. fly-in. Our team carried a clear message: community-driven science is essential for shaping policy, bridging local actions and national decisions to protect the health of our watersheds.

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The Role of Community Science in Protecting Our Rivers
Allie Cunningham Allie Cunningham

The Role of Community Science in Protecting Our Rivers

Community science extends beyond simple observation—people of all backgrounds play a vital role in protecting rivers. Everyday individuals who live, work, or spend time near waterways develop an intimate familiarity with these ecosystems, often detecting subtle changes that may go unnoticed by researchers who may visit a river periodically. Whether through formal data collection programs or informal observations, every contribution builds a more comprehensive picture of our rivers' health. By working together, community scientists provide crucial information that helps researchers, policymakers, and conservationists safeguard freshwater ecosystems for future generations.

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Scientist Spotlight:                   Anya Suslova 
Allie Cunningham Allie Cunningham

Scientist Spotlight: Anya Suslova 

Anya Suslova has been officially working at Woodwell Climate Research Center as a research assistant since 2016, but her work with rivers started long before that.

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