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Collin Eagles-Smith

I am a Research Ecologist with the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My research focuses on the interactions among ecological processes, contaminant bioaccumulation, and effects on wild populations. 

My work specifically focuses on (1) the ecological factors regulating contaminant bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, with an emphasis on food web processes and contaminant cycling, (2) land use practices and ecosystem restoration effects on contaminant cycling through food webs, and (3) the sublethal effects of contaminants on individuals and contaminant-induced impairment to reproduction in the wild. My research is broadly applied across taxa - primarily fish and waterbirds, and habitat types - including lakes, freshwater wetlands, agricultural fields, and estuarine habitats. 

Professional Experience

  • 2010-present: Supervisory Research Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR

  • 2007-2010: Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA

  • 2003-2007: Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA (2006)

  • B.S., Environmental Resource Sciences - Magna Cum Laude, University of California, Davis, CA (2000)

Science and Products

fish frozen in tubes

Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 22

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 45
No Result Found
No results found.

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 155

A national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in United States National Parks using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels through a citizen-science framework A national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in United States National Parks using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels through a citizen-science framework

We conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels, by developing a citizen science network to facilitate biological sampling. Implementing a carefully designed sampling methodology for citizen scientists, we developed an effective framework for landscape-level inquiry that might otherwise be resource...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, James Willacker, Sarah J. Nelson, Collen M Flanagan Pritz, David P. Krabbenhoft, Celia Y. Chen, Joshua T. Ackerman, Evan H. Campbell Grant, David S. Pilliod
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), M3 Research Laboratory

Do two wrongs make a right? Persistent uncertainties regarding environmental selenium-mercury interactions Do two wrongs make a right? Persistent uncertainties regarding environmental selenium-mercury interactions

Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental pollutant and contaminant of concern for both people and wildlife that has been a focus of environmental remediation efforts for decades. A growing body of literature has motivated calls for revising Hg consumption advisories to co-consider selenium (Se) levels in seafood and implies that remediating aquatic ecosystems with ecosystem-scale Se...
Authors
Jacqueline R. Gerson, David Walters, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Emily S. Bernhardt, Jessica E Brandt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center

Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Chemical contaminants are a threat to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with mercury (Hg) among the most prevalent causes of impairment. Despite this, large-scale patterns of Hg concentrations, and the potential risks to fish, wildlife, and humans across the watershed, are poorly understood. We compiled fish Hg data from state monitoring programs and recent research efforts to address this...
Authors
James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Vicki S. Blazer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure

Supplementary food resources (e.g., subsidies) associated with agriculture can benefit wildlife species, increasing predictability and availability of food. Avian scavengers including raptors often utilize subsidies associated with both recreational hunting and pest shooting on agricultural lands. However, these subsidies can contain lead (Pb) fragments if they are culled with Pb‐based...
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck, Alyssa E. Shiel, Chris R. Vennum, Colleen Emery, Branden L. Johnson, David Leal, Julie A. Heath, Benjamin M Dudek, Charles R. Preston, Brian Woodbridge
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment

Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are contaminants of concern for fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). We explored Hg and Se in fish tissues (2,324 individuals) collected over 50 years (1962–2011) from the UCRB. Samples include native and non-native fish collected from lotic waterbodies spanning 7 major tributaries to the Colorado River. There was little variation of total mercury...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Travis S. Schmidt, James Roberts, Barbara C. Osmundson, James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Colorado Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

Synthesis of maternal transfer of mercury in birds: Implications for altered toxicity risk Synthesis of maternal transfer of mercury in birds: Implications for altered toxicity risk

Maternal transfer is the predominant route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure to offspring. We reviewed and synthesized published and unpublished data on maternal transfer of MeHg in birds. Using paired samples of females’ blood (n=564) and their eggs (n=1814) from 26 bird species in 6 taxonomic orders, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether maternal transfer of MeHg to eggs...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Mark P. Herzog, David C. Evers, Daniel A. Cristol, Kevin P. Kenow, Gary Heinz, Raphael A Lavoie, Rebecka Brasso, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F Provencher, Birgit M Braune, Angela Matz, Joel A. Schmutz, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Lucas J Savoy, Michael W. Meyer, C. Alex Hartman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Non-USGS Publications**

Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 31

Science and Products

fish frozen in tubes

Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 22

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 45
No Result Found
No results found.

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 155

A national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in United States National Parks using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels through a citizen-science framework A national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in United States National Parks using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels through a citizen-science framework

We conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels, by developing a citizen science network to facilitate biological sampling. Implementing a carefully designed sampling methodology for citizen scientists, we developed an effective framework for landscape-level inquiry that might otherwise be resource...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, James Willacker, Sarah J. Nelson, Collen M Flanagan Pritz, David P. Krabbenhoft, Celia Y. Chen, Joshua T. Ackerman, Evan H. Campbell Grant, David S. Pilliod
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), M3 Research Laboratory

Do two wrongs make a right? Persistent uncertainties regarding environmental selenium-mercury interactions Do two wrongs make a right? Persistent uncertainties regarding environmental selenium-mercury interactions

Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental pollutant and contaminant of concern for both people and wildlife that has been a focus of environmental remediation efforts for decades. A growing body of literature has motivated calls for revising Hg consumption advisories to co-consider selenium (Se) levels in seafood and implies that remediating aquatic ecosystems with ecosystem-scale Se...
Authors
Jacqueline R. Gerson, David Walters, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Emily S. Bernhardt, Jessica E Brandt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center

Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Chemical contaminants are a threat to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with mercury (Hg) among the most prevalent causes of impairment. Despite this, large-scale patterns of Hg concentrations, and the potential risks to fish, wildlife, and humans across the watershed, are poorly understood. We compiled fish Hg data from state monitoring programs and recent research efforts to address this...
Authors
James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Vicki S. Blazer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure

Supplementary food resources (e.g., subsidies) associated with agriculture can benefit wildlife species, increasing predictability and availability of food. Avian scavengers including raptors often utilize subsidies associated with both recreational hunting and pest shooting on agricultural lands. However, these subsidies can contain lead (Pb) fragments if they are culled with Pb‐based...
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck, Alyssa E. Shiel, Chris R. Vennum, Colleen Emery, Branden L. Johnson, David Leal, Julie A. Heath, Benjamin M Dudek, Charles R. Preston, Brian Woodbridge
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment

Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are contaminants of concern for fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). We explored Hg and Se in fish tissues (2,324 individuals) collected over 50 years (1962–2011) from the UCRB. Samples include native and non-native fish collected from lotic waterbodies spanning 7 major tributaries to the Colorado River. There was little variation of total mercury...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Travis S. Schmidt, James Roberts, Barbara C. Osmundson, James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Colorado Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

Synthesis of maternal transfer of mercury in birds: Implications for altered toxicity risk Synthesis of maternal transfer of mercury in birds: Implications for altered toxicity risk

Maternal transfer is the predominant route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure to offspring. We reviewed and synthesized published and unpublished data on maternal transfer of MeHg in birds. Using paired samples of females’ blood (n=564) and their eggs (n=1814) from 26 bird species in 6 taxonomic orders, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether maternal transfer of MeHg to eggs...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Mark P. Herzog, David C. Evers, Daniel A. Cristol, Kevin P. Kenow, Gary Heinz, Raphael A Lavoie, Rebecka Brasso, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F Provencher, Birgit M Braune, Angela Matz, Joel A. Schmutz, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Lucas J Savoy, Michael W. Meyer, C. Alex Hartman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Non-USGS Publications**

Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 31
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