College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Background:

I am an urban freshwater ecologist whose research examines the interactions between freshwater ecosystems, invasive species, and urbanization. I am studying the impacts of red swamp crayfish as a part of Dr. Brian Roth's lab. In addition to my research, I advocate for science policy, providing education, training, and opportunities for other scientists as a leader of the National Science Policy Network and the Journal of Science Policy & Governance. 

Research:

I am interested in studying the growing number of urban freshwater ecosystems on our planet to conserve and understand these human-dominated spaces. As an undergraduate at Pepperdine University, I began working on these issues by studying the interactions of native and invasive species in the Santa Monica Mountains. I continued this work while obtaining a doctorate in Dr. Kurt Anderso's lab at the University of California, Riverside. While at UCR, I studied the impacts of invasive species and effluent on the freshwater community in the Santa Ana River. To complete this work, I use a variety of surveys, field studies, and mesocosm experiments to examine ecological interactions between species and their environment. 

Website: 

https://sites.google.com/view/william-ota/home