My research efforts are primarily directed towards the management of aquatic ecosystems - with a particular emphasis on managing freshwater fish populations. These efforts involve large-scale and small-scale experimental manipulations, as well as taking advantage of natural experiments that can help identify key ecosystem processes. The overall goal of my research program is to understand ecological interactions regulating the abundance of key aquatic organisms, such as sport fish, nuisance invaders and rare species. These studies are designed to either identify ways to manage the abundance of these organisms or to understand factors that limit our capacity for their management. My recent research efforts have been primarily directed towards the management of freshwater fish populations and aquatic habitats in north temperate stream and lake ecosystems. I have developed a research focus directed towards identifying environmental factors responsible for the development of a fatal thiamine deficiency in fishes throughout the Great Lakes and Baltic Sea, and I have continued studies related to a major nuisance aquatic invader, the zebra mussel. Specific research objectives include determining: 1) how the temporal availability and spatial arrangement of suitable habitats influences the abundance of native fishes and their non-native and/or hatchery competitors; 2) how processes in forested watersheds influence aquatic habitats in associated streams and lakes; and 3) how food web interactions influence the transfer of energy, nutrients, disease, and contaminants through aquatic systems. Given my extension responsibilities, I maintain strong links between my research and outreach program activities. As director of the Adirondack Fisheries Research Program, I regularly provide training for resource managers, scientists, and the public based on my applied research efforts. Finally, I am committed to making myself available to undergraduate and graduate students throughout my daily campus interactions.