News Archives | WilsonLab

August 10, 2026

We have been really busy running field experiments the last two months. Fall semester is almost here.

The WilsonLab is growing again. Big welcome to our new technician, Bella Russ, and new M.S. student, Julia Carpenter. Also, our lead technician, Annabelle, will start working on her M.S. degree this fall. Exciting times.

June 24, 2026

I had a chance to talk with a Vox reporter, Benji Jones, about the algal bloom issues at the Reflecting Pool in D.C. He included our research on chemical treatments as well as biomanipulation (i.e., zooplankton) to control HABs in his story.

https://www.vox.com/climate/492909/why-trump-is-losing-his-war-against-algae

June 22, 2026

Strand published his second Ph.D. chapter focused on our research in west AL catfish ponds! Nice job.

Kong, X., S. E. Rice, H. S. Kramer-Dew, A. R. Zimmerman, C.J. Martyniuk, Y. G. Her, E. Bean, J. D. Judy, Y. Li, A. E. Wilson, and D. Wang. Multiphase coupling of phosphorus and organic matter across water–particle interaction in aquaculture ponds. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

May 3, 2026

Congratulations to our recent graduate students in Fisheries who completed their degrees, including our lab’s very own Dr. Matt Gladfelter (below) and Jenifer Howell!

April 29, 2026

Pierce was recently honored with the Comer Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences, which is one of the highest honors to an undergrad at Auburn University, before heading to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to start his PhD in microbiology. Congrats, Pierce!

April 21, 2026

More exciting news. Our paper describing counter-intuitive effects of alkalinity of copper sulfate toxicity in phytoplankton has been accepted for publication. These data highlight the importance of not overdosing copper to control algal blooms.

Mollica, A. C., M. T. Wesche, M. F. Gladfelter, M. B. McDonald, A. V. Hennessey, P. P. Johnson, K. L. Merrill, and A. E. Wilson. 2026. Higher alkalinity increases copper toxicity in phytoplankton: the importance of pH flux when treating algal blooms. Harmful Algae 156:103123.