Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Fields: Ecology, Freshwater and Tropical Biology
Email: ptorres@holycross.edu
Office: O'Neil 207 Phone: (508) 793-3416
Teaching
- Ecology (BIOL 280)
- Freshwater Ecology (BIOL 233)
- Biostatistics (BIOL 275)
- Environmental Science (BIOL 117)
- Introduction to Biol Diversity and Ecology (BIOL 163)
Research
My Holy Cross Lab research group is interested in multiple aspects of ecology including: organic matter dynamics, ecosystem metabolism, food webs, disturbance, nutrient dynamics, invasive species, and tropical conservation. Our current focus projects are:
1. Impacts of consumer assemblage extirpations and introduced species on tropical island aquatic ecosystems
We work across the island of Puerto Rico, studying how large dams and the extirpation of native shrimp affect headwater stream structure and function. Our current goal is to assess the distribution and ecosystem-level effects of the introduced Australian red-claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in reservoirs throughout the island. We use a combination of molecular techniques to detect new introductions and determine their expansion range, along with in-situ experiments and physical surveys to assess their ecological impacts.
2. Urbanization effects on community structure and ecosystem processes across the Blackstone River headwaters
Students in my lab engage in independent projects and collaborations, studying various ecological dynamics related to urbanization's effects on the communities inhabiting the headwaters of the Blackstone River around Worcester. Recent projects have focused on: (1) the effects of road salinization on macroinvertebrate growth and community structure, (2) the influence of salinity levels on leaf litter decomposition and microbial respiration, (3) the impact of wastewater treatment plant effluents on benthic algae standing crop and composition, and (4) the influence of roads and in-channel manmade structures on fish community structure and distribution.