Dr. Jason Williams has a B.A. in Biology from Augustana College, Illinois and a M.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry School. He earned a Ph.D. in Engineering Science at Washington State University under Dr. Beutel. Jason was funded partly via a NSF NSPIRE IGERT Program, a multidisciplinary student doctoral training program designed to create a new generation of scientists with broad and rigorous training in nitrogen cycling who integrate nitrogen cycle science for effective communication with public policy makers. Jason’s research examined the effects of glacier melting on the chemistry and ecology of high-altitude lakes in North Cascades National Park in Northwestern Washington State. Glaciers in the park are rapidly melting due to climate change, and glacier meltwater can be a significant source of nitrogen to high altitude lakes. Increased nitrogen loading to these lakes can affect the abundance of algae and types of algae present—fundamental lake characteristics that affect overall lake ecology. Understanding the effects of glacial melting is therefore important for predicting and managing the effects of climate change on high-elevation lakes within the park and throughout the Western United States. Jason also assessed the capacity of air quality models to predict nitrogen ciritcal loads in Mount Rainier National Park, information critical to informing air quality regulations to protect the Park's ecological resources. Dr. Williams is now a water quality manager with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality where he is protecting the state’s water resources.

PUBLICATIONS

Williams JJ, Chung SH, Johansen AM, Lamb BK, Vaughan JK, Beutel MW. Evaluation of atmospheric nitrogen deposition model performance in the context of US critical load assessments. Atmospheric Environment. 2017;150 :244-255.

Williams JJ, Beutel MW, Nurse A, Moore B, Hampton SE, Saros JE. Phytoplankton responses to nitrogen enrichment in Pacific Northwest, USA Mountain Lakes. Hydrobiologia. 2016;776 (1) :261-276.

Williams JJ, Nurse A, Saros JE, Riedel J, Beutel MW. Effects of glaciers on nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton in lakes within the Northern Cascades Mountains (USA). Biogeochemistry. 2016;131 (3) :373-385.