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What can dragonflies tell us about the health of our rivers and streams? A lot, actually. In this edition of Stewards & Storytellers, Dr. Eraseme Uyizeye shares how Odonata serve as a surprising but powerful indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. From pollution to habitat loss and climate change these insects are helping scientists understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Dr. Uyizeye will spotlight how this method is especially valuable in developing countries, where traditional monitoring tools can be limited and connect it to his ongoing research in Kenya. Come curious, you’ll never look at a dragonfly the same way again.
About Dr. Eraseme Uyizeye
Dr. Uyizeye’ s is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Brevard College. His work centers on freshwater ecology and ecotoxicology. Dr. Uyizeye has created and published an index that utilizes odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) for monitoring the quality and restoration of freshwater ecosystems. Most recently, his research has focused on understanding bioaccumulation patterns of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in freshwater organisms, to determine the fate and transport of these chemicals through the food chain and examine potential exposure risks to the public. PFAS are emerging contaminants, also known as “forever chemicals”. Dr Uyizeye integrates his research background into pedagogy, and his teaching area expands to environmental studies in general, including climate change, and issues of agriculture and sustainability.
