Alessandra Rossi presents her Dissertation defense for her PhD in Environmental Science and Management. Watch the presentation on Zoom.

About Alessandra

Alessandra Rossi is a Ph.D. candidate in the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science & Management. Her dissertation addressed three major water quality and management challenges in the State of New Jersey. The specific area of her study was the urbanized northern New Jersey, under the supervision of her Advisor Dr. Meiyin Wu. In her previous graduate career, Alessandra Rossi studied Biology at the Università degli Studi di Genova (Italy) first, and Ecology at San Diego State University (CA, USA), later.

About the Presentation

This study addressed the three major threats to freshwater ecosystems, pathogens, litter, and eutrophication. First, we evaluated how environmental variables can help, in a timely manner, decision makers about microbiological water safety. Second, we conducted an on-land investigation of street litter, aimed to identify areas where to allocate resources and strategies for reduction of plastic items entering the waterways. Lastly, we performed a water and sediment study at two eutrophied lakes, with a particular attention on total phosphorus (TP) in order to prioritize locations in need of more attention to help improve the lakes’ water quality. Our studies provide a complimentary research approach, coupling the scientific investigation with the management needs and emphasizing the importance of integrating water quality management and watershed context. 

Dissertation Committee

• Dr. Meiyin Wu, Professor, Department of Biology (Chair)
• Dr. Lee Lee, Professor, Department of Biology
• Dr. Huan Feng, Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Studies
• Dr. Josh Galster, Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Studies
• Mr. Stanley Stephansen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2