Eric FRANKLIN Maurer

Ph.D.: University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, 1994 (Ecology & Evolution)

M.S.: University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, 1992 (Ecology)

B.S.: University of Georgia Athens, GA, 1983 (Psychology, Zoology (Postbacc))

My research interests focus on how environmental changes interact with and influence: i) patterns of distribution and diversity, and ii) the evolution of species traits such as life history, morphology and behavior. I use a combination of research techniques in both the laboratory and the field to examine these issues and to test the predictions of ecological and evolutionary theory with respect to changes in the environment, both abiotic and biotic. I have worked with a variety of organisms, utilizing vertebrates (fish & amphibians) and invertebrates (macroinvertebrates and zooplankton) to address questions about how animals respond to environmental variation at both ecological and evolutionary time scales.


Research Projects-

Patterns of Distribution and Organismal Traits: A central question in ecology and evolution deals with the factors that influence patterns of diversity and geographic distribution. One model system I use to address questions about how the traits of organisms influence their distribution is a genus of small fish of the family Poeciliidae. Poeciliids, and the genus Gambusia, are livebearing fish living in a variety of habitats in the Americas, as well as the throughout the Caribbean. The genus shows striking variation in the extent of the individual species geographic ranges. Some species are strict endemics, known from single springs in Texas and Mexico, and at the other extreme are the two species of mosquitofish, introduced worldwide and now showing a global distribution. I take a comparative approach to these questions, using existing phylogentic hypotheses for the clade and comparing the life history and behavioral traits between species that differ in distribution and their ability to invade novel areas and habitats.


Environmental Variation, Climate and Arctic Lakes: Lakes, as can be seen in any satellite image, are a ubiquitous feature of the high arctic in Northern Alaska. On the coastal plain, these lakes, termed "thaw lakes" are continually formed and drained as the underlying frozen layer, the permafrost, thaws and freezes. This dynamic process of formation, expansion and drainage is referred to as the "thaw lake cycle" and is the dominant landscape process in the region. I am interested in how these processes influence the aquatic communities in arctic lakes, and how the thaw lake cycle and the communities may change in a warming arctic. Our research group is also interested in incorporating traditional knowledge about the landscape and the resources upon which arctic human communities depend.

Related Interests

1. Colonization of novel habitats: I have long been interested in how the colonization of a new habitat influence species traits. Previous and continuing research has examined how the shift from stream to artificial farm pond habitats has influenced the morphology and performance of cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) in the Great Plains, and how the colonization of temporary streams by a salamander (Ambystoma texanum and A. barbouri) has resulted in changes in behavior and life history.

2. Life History Covariation and Longevity: A new area of interest is examining how the manipulation of life history traits may influence correlated traits. Of particular interest is how the manipulation of reproductive effort impacts the longevity of organisms.

3. Science, Policy & Law: I am also interested in the interactions between science, policy and law, and the role of science in both the courts and the development of legislation and policy.

1996 -2000 Assistant Director, Assistant Director of the 900 major School of Biological Sciences Undergraduate program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

2000 -2010 Director, Director of the Center of Environmental Studies, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Investigators:Eric F. Maurer, Ph.D. 1994 -1996 US Department of Agriculture Water Quality Impacts in Aquatic Communities: Salinity and Species Invasions Role:PI 80,000 Completed Type:Grant Level:National

Investigators:Kenneth M. Hinkel, Richard Beck, Wendy Eisner 2007 -2010 NSF Collaborative Research: Changes in Lake Dynamics on the Arctic Coastal Plain of North America Over the Past Half-Century Role:Collaborator, Senior Personnel 378,618 Active Type:Grant Level:National

Investigators:Guy Cameron, et. al. 2008 -2009 UC URC The Nature of Urban Sustainability: Understanding the Effects of Urbanization on Natural Ecosystem Function Role:co-PI 25,000 Active Type:Grant Level:University

Investigators:Oerther, D., Maurer, E. F., Kinkle, B. 2005 -2006 US EPA Phosphorus recovery from sewage: Closing the Loop Role:co-PI 10,000 Completed Type:Grant Level:National

Investigators:Carlarne, C., Oerther, D., Maurer, E. F. 2004 -2005 US EPA Phosphorus recovery from sewage: Design competition for sustainability Role:co-PI 10,000 Completed Type:Grant Level:National

Investigators:Cohen, W., Maurer, E. F. 1998 -2000 NSF Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Grant Integrating computer-based physiology exercises across the curriculum Role:co-PI 103,100 Completed Type:Grant

Investigators:Depoe, S., Maurer, E. F. 2001 -2002 Sustainability and curricular change across the University Role:co-PI 10,000 Completed Type:Grant Level:University

Investigators:Maurer, E. F. 2002 -2003 University of Cincinnati Provost Integrated-Content Student Learning Community: Exploring our Environment, Developing our Voices Role:PI 5,400 Completed Level:University

Investigators:Oerther, D., et. al. 2009 -2009 University System of Ohio Center of Excellence: University of Cincinnati Center for Sustaining the Urban Environment Role:co-PI Active Level:State

Grant: #ARC 0713813 Investigators:Beck, Richard; Eisner, Wendy; Hinkel, Kenneth; Maurer, Eric 09-01-2007 -08-31-2011 National Science Foundation Collaborative Research: Changes in Lake Dynamics on the Arctic Coastal Plain Role:Collaborator $378,618.00 Closed Level:Federal

Under Review

Rehage, J. S., E. F. Maurer, E. N. Fischer, and A. Sih. Are all Gambusia equally invasive? Life histories, abiotic tolerances and establishment success among four congeners. Submitted to Oikos.

Peer Reviewed Publications

Oerther, D., C. Carlarne and E. F. Maurer. 2006. Using Phosphorus Recovery from Wastewater as a Context for Teaching Sustainable Development with USEPA P3 Support. Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education Conference. 2006: 92-98.

Sih, A., L. B. Kats and E. F. Maurer. 2003. Behavioral correlations across situations and the evolution of antipredator behavior in a sunfish-salamander system, Animal Behavior. 65:29-44. 

Mayer, A. L., K. Petren, A. Shelton, M. J. Cramer, B. Keane, J. Markert, B. Heath, E. F. Maurer, J. A. Roberts, and B. Tonnis. 2002. Scaling natal dispersal distances: confounding factors. Conservation Ecology 6(1).

Sih, A., L. B. Kats and E. F. Maurer. 2001. Does phylogenetic inertia explain the evolution of ineffective antipredator behavior in a sunfish-salamander system? Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology. 49:48-56.

Maurer, E. F. 1996. Environmental variation and behaviour: resource availability during ontogeny and feeding performance in salamander larvae (Ambystoma texanum). Freshwater Biology 35:101-109.

Maurer, E. F. and A. Sih. 1996. Ephemeral habitats and variation in behavior and life history: comparisons of sibling salamander species. Oikos 76:337-349.

Maurer, E. F. 1995. Technological tools and the teaching of environmental science. Kansas Science Teacher, 11:24-28.

Maurer, E. F. 1995. Chrysemys picta belli (Western painted turtle) feeding behavior. Herpetological Review, 26:34.

Sih, A. and E. F. Maurer. 1992. Effects of cryptic oviposition on egg survival for stream-breeding, streamside salamanders. Journal of Herpetology. 26:118-120.

Technical Report

Maurer, E. F. 1995. Neglected places: water quality standards and ephemeral systems, US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy Analysis, white paper. 89 pp.

Book Chapter

Maurer, E. F. 1994. Neglected places: water quality standards and ephemeral systems, a summary. In: C. Sturges, editor, American Association for the Advancement of Science Environmental Science and Engineering Fellows' Reports, pp 51-55. AAAS, Washington, D.C.

Work in Progress

Maurer, E. F. Habitat duration, foraging performance and life history: comparisons between sibling species. (in revision).

Maurer, E. F., J. S. Rehage and W. J. O’Brien. Life history comparisons of widespread and endemic fish species (genus Gambusia) and the evolution of range size (to be submitted to Conservation Biology).

E. F. Maurer, P. Yurista and  O’Brien, W. J. Demographic costs of vertical migration by cladoceran zooplankton in arctic lakes (to be submitted to Limnology & Oceanography).

Maurer, E. F. and W. J. O’Brien. Environmental variation and shifts in the life history traits of an aquatic snail (Lymnaea elodes) in arctic lakes. (manuscript).

Invited Presentations

Maurer, E. F., D. B. Oerther, E. Corbett, R. Best, N. Doyle, J. Jones, K. Kirschner, B. Knipper and N. Quinn (2009. ) Water stress, quality, health and variability in infrastructure in the arid, rural state of Gujarat, India .Ecological Society of America Millennium Conference: Water-Ecosystem Services, Drought, and Environmental Justice, Athens, GA. Conference. . Level:International

Maurer, E. F. (1998. ) Legal/policy developments and aquatic habitats: implications and opportunities for basic ecological research .American Society of Limnologists and Oceanographers & Ecological Society of America Joint Meetings, “The Land-Water Interface: Science for a Sustainable Biosphere, St. Louis, MO. Conference. . Level:International

Maurer, E. F. (1997. ) Ephemeral streams, watersheds and water quality standards .U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, National Meeting, “Development and implementation of tools for water quality-based pollution control, St. Louis, MO. Conference. . Level:International

Maurer, E. F. (1996. ) Life history traits and geographic distribution in the tribe Gambusiini .Symposium on the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior of Poeciliid Fishes, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University of Kentucky. Conference. . Level:National

Maurer, E. F. (1994. ) Neglected places: water quality standards and ephemeral systems .Symposium on Science in the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, Washington, DC. Other Institution. . Level:National

Lecture

Eric F. Maurer (2008. ) Carbon Math- The Integration of Science and Inupiat Knowledge in the Arctic .US Green Building Council Symposium. Level:Prof. Org.

Eric F. Maurer (2006. ) An Ecologist’s look: the ecological roots of sustainability .College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning, University of Cincinnati. UC. Level:University

Eric F. Maurer (2010. ) Vulnerable Places: Field Research in the Arctic & the Galapagos Islands .Sycamore High School. Other Institution. Level:Local

Eric F. Maurer (2006. ) Avian Flu, Global Public Health, Pandemics and Ecology .Honors Scholars Program. UC.

Eric F. Maurer (2002. ) Time, rates and time constraints: responses to global environmental change .Cincinnati, OH. Level:Local

Maurer, E. F. (2009. ) President’s Advisory Council on Environment & Sustainability: Evolution & Current Efforts in Carbon Emissions Planning .University of Cincinnati. UC. Level:Department

Maurer, E. F. (2009. ) Virtual Worlds, Climate Change & Water Resources in India .University of Cincinnati Honors Council. UC. Level:University

Maurer, E. F. (2009. ) Climate Change on Ice: The Arctic, Indigenous Peoples & a Dash of Policy .University of Cincinnati. UC. Level:University

Maurer, E. F. (2010. ) Galapagos Islands: Conservation, Biosecurity & Citizen Science. The UC “Eyes on Galapagos” Project .University of Cincinnati. UC. Level:University

Paper Presentations

E. Corbett, R. B. Best, N. Doyle, J. Jones, K. Kirschner, B. Knipper, N. Quinn, E. F. Maurer, R. Mehta, D. Oerther (2009. ) Water quality and public health in rural villages: Gujarat, India .Cincinnati, OH. UC. Level:University

Healey, N.C.; J.D. Lenters; K.M. Hinkel; A. Irmak; S.L. Jones; E.F. Maurer; Y. Sheng; L.C. Smith; B.S. Winston; B.L. Potter (2009. ) Lake Evaporation On the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska: Results From an Energy Balance Study of a Thermokarst Lake Near Barrow, Alaska .San Francisco, CA. Conference. Level:International

Oerther, D., C. Carlarne and E. F. Maurer (2006. ) Using Phosphorus Recovery from Wastewater as a Context for Teaching Sustainable Development .Chicago, IL. Conference. Level:National

Carlarne, C., E. F. Maurer, R. Lamendella,, D. Oerther, C. Luedeker, H. Lubbers, B. Lieberth, A. Bove, B. Herman, and C. Zdinak (2006. ) Capturing nutrients from the waste-stream: Scalable approaches to increase food security and environmental sustainability in developing economies .Washington, DC. Conference. Level:National

Maurer, E. F. (2005. ) Life history shifts across varying resource availability and predation regimes .IX International Congress of Ecology & Ecological Society of America, Montreal, Canada. Conference. Level:International

Atikovic, E., Clark, C., DeFranchi, G., Hosny, A., Gonzalez-Fernandez, M., Humrighouse, B., Kleier, K., Lamendella, R., Mouch, D., Noonan, D., Pumphrey, S., Riks, A., Yates, B., Oerther, D., Maurer, E., Saikaly, P., Carlarne, C. (2005. ) Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater: Closing the Phosphorus Loop .Washington, DC. Conference. Level:National

Rehage, J. S., Barnett, B., Maurer, E. F., Sih A. (2001. ) Do invasive and noninvasive Gambusia respond differently to novel biotic interactions? .Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Madison, WI. Conference. Level:National

Rehage, J. S., Barnett, B., Maurer, E. F., Sih A. (2000. ) Feeding preferences of invasive vs. noninvasive Gambusia species .Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Snowbird, UT. Conference. Level:National

Event Organized

Sustainability and curricular change across the University Workshop University of Cincinnati Level:University

2008 -2009 2009 recipient of the University Honors Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Cincinnati Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

2003 -2007 "Most Inspiring Faculty Member" 2007. Jessica Lawrence, Eleanor Hicks Award for the Outstanding Undergraduate Female Senior. 2007. Ninnia Lescano, Darwin T. Turner Scholar. 2003. Ashley McKendree, College of Arts and Science of Arts & Sciences Dean's Scholarship Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

1997 -1997 1997 University of Kentucky Outstanding Advisor Award Status:Nomination Level:University Type:Recognition

1993 -1993 "Honors" for Comprehensive Exams, University of Kansas Graduate School Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

1994 -1994 American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science and Technology Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science Status:Recipient Level:National Type:Fellowship

1994 -1996 U.S. Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative Postdoctoral Fellow USDA Status:Recipient Level:National Type:Fellowship

(UC President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 1992 -2011

National Council of Environmental Dean’s & Directors Committee Member Type:Service to Professional Associations Level:National 2006 -2010

(Steering Committee, Cincinnati Center for Field Studies ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2004 -2011

(Steering Committee, Center of Excellence: Sustainable Urban Environments ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2006 -2011

(Search Committee, Watershed Ecology ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2009 -2010

(Search Committee, Philosophy of Life Sciences & Environmental Policy ) Type:University/College Service Level:University 2009 -2009

(Teaching Effectiveness Committee, Department of Biological Sciences ) Committee Member Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 2004 -2011

(B.I.S. Review Committee for interdisciplinary degree program proposals ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2006 -2011

NSF (National Science Foundation Arctic System Science, Near-surface Processes Community of Practice ) Member Type:Service to Professional Associations Level:International 2004 -2011

UC College of Engineering (Search Committee, Sustainable Urban Engineering position ) Type:University/College Service Level:University 2007 -2008

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Steering Committee, Ohio EPA Environmental Science & Engineering Scholarship Program ) Type:Other Educational Service 2004 -2011

AAAS (Reviewer of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellowship Proposals ) Review Board/Panel Type:Service to Professional Associations Level:National 1997 -2010

(College of Arts and Science of Arts & Sciences Academic Planning Team ) Type:University/College Service Level:University 2004 -2006

(Search Committee, Director of the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies ) Type:University/College Service Level:University 2005 -2006

(Search Committee, Director of School of Architecture and Interior Design, College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning ) Type:University/College Service Level:University 2002 -2003

(Arts & Sciences Department Heads Council ) Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2001 -2009

Type:Departmental Service Level:Department 2009 -2010

Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection (Faculty Advisor ) Other Type:Service to Student Groups Level:University 2002 -2011

Center for Environmental Studies Steering Committee Committee Member Type:Departmental Service Level:University

1994-1994 American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science & Technology Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellowship, AAAS, , Washington, DC

1994-1996 USDA National Research Initiative Postdoctoral Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Kansas, , Lawrence, KS

1991 -1993: non-degree coursework, School of Law Law 938 Environmental Law I (Air & Water Pollution, 3 cr) Law 939 Environmental Law II (Toxics Regulation, 3 cr) Law 984 Public Lands & Natural Resources (3 cr) Law 940 Environmental Law Seminar (Wildlife Law, audit) University of Kansas,

2003 -2003: September Institute Faculty Development, University of Cincinnati Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, 2003. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

2003 -2006: NSF Faculty Institutes to Reform Science Teaching Faculty Development, FIRST II, University of Cincinnati Team, 2003-2006. National Science Foundation, Akron, OH

2004 -2004: Carnegie Council workshop Selected as participant in a faculty development workshop-Integrating Ethics into Environmental Studies: Ethics, Science, and Civic Responsibility. Held at New York University, NY, NY Carnegie Council, NY, NY

2004 -2004: Perspectives on Biodefense Workshop sponsored by US EPA, University of Cincinnati and VA Medical Center University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

2007 -2007: Linking environment to other disciplines & cultures in a 21st century curriculum Council of Environmental Deans & Directors workshop for Adminstrators, National Council on Science & Environment. Funded by UC Faculty Development Grant. National Council on Science & Environment, Skaneateles, NY

1998 -1998: Med-Law Workshop: Perspectives on the impact of genetics on society University of Louisville, School of Law, Louisville, KY

1997 -1997: DNA Science: Workshop in Recombinant-DNA Technology NIH-HHMI funded workshop,

Ecological Society of America Member

Global Biodiversity: Law & Policy Level:Both

15-BIOL-610 CONSERVATION BIOL Conservation Biology Level:Both

15-EVST-600 ENVIR LAW & POLICY Environmental Law & Policy Level:Both

Environmental Capstone Level:Undergraduate

Ecology of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human Dimensions of Global Climate Change Level:Undergraduate

15-BIOL-691 LIMNOLOGY Level:Both

Research in Natural Laboratories-Galapagos Level:Undergraduate

Research in Natural Laboratories-Galapagos Level:Undergraduate

Research in Natural Laboratories-Galapagos Level:Undergraduate

Research in Natural Laboratories-Galapagos Level:Undergraduate

Global Biodiversity: Law & Policy Level:Both

20-CEE-600 ENV CHEM & MICROBI Ensuring Environmental Sustainability Level:Both

20-CEE-601 ENV CHEM/MICRO LAB Ensuring Environmental Sustainability: Lab Level:Both

Global Biodiversity: Law & Policy Level:Both

Global Biodiversity: Law & Policy Level:Both

15-EVST-395H HUM DIMEN CLIM CHG Level:Undergraduate

15-EVST-500 ENVIRON INTERNSHIP Level:Undergraduate

Study Abroad: India Level:Undergraduate

Study Abroad: Galapagos Islands Level:Undergraduate

15-EVST-425 RDGS ENVIR STUDIES Level:Undergraduate

15-BIOL-610 CONSERVATION BIOL

2003 -2003 September Institute University of Cincinnati Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning Type:Faculty Fellowship

2001 -2001 Dynamics of Complex Systems New England Complex Systems Institute University of Cincinnati Type:Workshop

2003 -2006 NSF Faculty Institutes to Reform Science Teaching, FIRST II National Science Foundation Akron, OH Type:Other

2004 -2004 Integrating Ethics into Environmental Studies: Ethics, Science, and Civic Responsibility Carnegie Council NY, NY Type:Workshop

2007 -2007 Linking environment to other disciplines & cultures in a 21st century curriculum Council of Environmental Deans & Directors Skaneateles, NY Type:Workshop

2009 -2009 AAUP Workshop: Rights, Responsibilities & Procedures: What Academic Administrators Need to Know AAUP University of Cincinnati Type:Workshop