Heidi Golden Ph.D.

  • Research Scientist
Heidi Golden

I work collaboratively through the EvoME Institute, using cross-disciplinary research and data-driven models to better understand how species trait evolution might influence ecosystem function and cross-ecosystem exchanges in areas that are experiencing rapid climate change. I am passionate about deepening my knowledge of the factors that facilitate healthy, sustainable ecosystems.

I have expertise in aquatic ecology, genetics, and population dynamics. My science career began in Waquoit Bay, MA, where I studied coastal eutrophication on estuarine habitats with Dr. Linda Deegan. This experience started my life-long journey to better understand the intricate roles species play within and among ecosystems. Since then, I have pursued a wide variety of opportunities to build this understanding, including researching trophic interactions in tundra streams, determining the genetic structure of fish populations across an Arctic riverscape, tracking migratory fish in Arctic and New England streams, and assessing aquatic communities using environmental DNA. All of this has culminated in my current work to understand the influence of strong selection on life-history strategies and eco-evolutionary feedbacks.

I leverage my knowledge and expertise to help facilitate a more sustainable future. In my spare time, I passionately promote healthy, sustainable ecosystems through science education outreach, often utilizing my small eco-farm which is home to gardens, chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, and an overflowing compost bin. I also enjoy sharing my field research and educational outreach through my blog.

Projects

richly colored arctic landscape with orange grasses, a few tents in the foreground, and a light blue lake reflecting clouds of a dynamic array of greys

Evolving Meta-Ecosystems Institute

Investigating the resilience of Arctic organisms and ecosystems to rapid climate change

Selected Publications

River drying influences genetic variation and population structure in an Arctic freshwater fish

Golden, H.E., K.E. Holsinger, L.A. Deegan, C.J.A. MacKenzie, & M.C. Urban (2021). Conservation Genetics.

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An eco-evolutionary perspective on the humpty-dumpty effect and community restoration

Evans, E.E., M. Zimova, S.T. Giery, H.E. Golden, A.L. Pastore, C.P. Nadeau, & M.C. Urban (2022). OIKOS.

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Nitrogen loading alters seagrass ecosystem structure and support of higher trophic levels

Deegan, L.A., A. Wright, S.G. Ayvazian, J.T. Finn, H. Golden, R. Merson, & J. Harrison (2002). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

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