Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Jennifer L Graham, Ph.D.
Jennifer is a Research Hydrologist at the New York Water Science Center
Jennifer Graham currently serves as the harmful algal bloom coordinator for the USGS Water Mission Area. She also represents the USGS on the Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. Jennifer began her career with the USGS in 1999 as a Volunteer for Science working on harmful algal blooms at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. She worked there as a volunteer until 2005, when she became a Hydrologist at the Kansas Water Science Center. Jennifer joined the New York Water Science Center in 2018. She is a nationally recognized expert in cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. For over two decades Jennifer has conducted research on the environmental factors influencing the occurrence of cyanotoxins in the United States. She has conducted both regional and single system studies at a variety of spatiotemporal scales.
The overarching theme of Jennifer’s research is the spatiotemporal distribution of algae and algal assemblages with respect to changing physical, chemical, and biological conditions in both lentic and lotic ecosystems. Focus areas currently include anthropogenic influences on algal production and community composition, environmental conditions leading to the development of harmful algal blooms, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria, the occurrence, fate, and transport of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor compounds, and the development of predictive models for the occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. She has a complimentary interest in evaluating and using leading-edge technology, such as continuous water-quality instrumentation and satellite imagery, to improve predictive capabilities for the onset, duration, and decline of harmful algal bloom events. Research efforts include partnerships within the USGS as well as with local, state, and federal agencies and universities.
Professional Experience
USGS as Research Hydrologist at the New York Water Science Center 2018-present.
USGS as a Hydrologist at the Kansas Water Science Center 2005-2018.
USGS as a Volunteer for Science working on harmful algal blooms at the Columbia Environmental Research Center 1999-2005.
Education and Certifications
PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife with a specialization in Limnology (2004) – University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
MS in Biology with a specialization in Aquatic Ecology (1998) – Southwest Missouri
BS in Environmental Science (1995) – Davis and Elkins College, Elkins, WV
Science and Products
Water Cycle Center
Toxin Producing Algae Across U.S. Landscapes—Are They Gaining a Foothold?
Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
Cyanobacterial Occurrence and Bloom Development in Oligotrophic Adirondack Lakes
NWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring in the Finger Lakes region, New York
Effects of Wastewater Discharge and Treatment Facility Upgrades on Environmental and Biological Conditions of Indian Creek, Johnson County, Kansas
Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and associated characteristics across the North Atlantic Appalachian Region
Vertical Profiles of Water Quality and Phytoplankton Data from Five Lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York State, 2021
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
Harmonized continuous water quality data in support of modeling harmful algal blooms in the United States, 2005 - 2022
Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
Phytoplankton identification and biovolume data for field samples from Detroit Lake, Oregon, and Owasco Lake, New York, collected in August 2019 and August 2020
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Hyperspectral Characterization of Common Cyanobacteria Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
Phytoplankton Data for Washington Park Lake, New York, September through October 2019
Phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn lake water emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn lake water emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Close up of a cyanobacteria bloom on Elysian Lake, Minnesota
Close up of a cyanobacteria bloom on Elysian Lake, Minnesota
Algal and Other Environmental Toxins Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Cyanobacterial accumulation along with a dead fish
Algal and Other Environmental Toxins Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Cyanobacterial accumulation along with a dead fish
Storm coming in over Cheney Reservoir, Kansas
Storm coming in over Cheney Reservoir, Kansas
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. If you see a bloom, avoid the area.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. If you see a bloom, avoid the area.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
An evaluation of cyanobacterial occurrence and bloom development in Adirondack lakes
qPCR-based phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a: A multi-year study in twelve large freshwater rivers across the United States
Comparison of imaging flow cytometry and microscopy for freshwater algal bloom detection
Interdisciplinary science approach for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and algal toxins—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Role of edaphic, hydrologic, and land cover variables in determining dissolved organic carbon in Missouri (USA) reservoirs and streams
Evaluation of metrics and thresholds for use in national-scale river harmful algal bloom assessments
River control points for algal productivity revealed by transport analysis
Assessing the relationship between cyanobacteria blooms and respiratory-related hospital visits: Green Bay, Wisconsin 2017–2019
Toxic algae in inland waters of the conterminous United States—A review and synthesis
The "H," "A," and "B" of a HAB: A definitional framework
Field techniques for fluorescence measurements targeting dissolved organic matter, hydrocarbons, and wastewater in environmental waters: Principles and guidelines for instrument selection, operation and maintenance, quality assurance, and data reporting
Metagenomic mapping of cyanobacteria and potential cyanotoxin producing taxa in large rivers of the United States
CyAN Field Integrated Exploratory Lakes Database (CyAN FIELD)
Science and Products
Water Cycle Center
Toxin Producing Algae Across U.S. Landscapes—Are They Gaining a Foothold?
Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
Cyanobacterial Occurrence and Bloom Development in Oligotrophic Adirondack Lakes
NWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring in the Finger Lakes region, New York
Effects of Wastewater Discharge and Treatment Facility Upgrades on Environmental and Biological Conditions of Indian Creek, Johnson County, Kansas
Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and associated characteristics across the North Atlantic Appalachian Region
Vertical Profiles of Water Quality and Phytoplankton Data from Five Lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York State, 2021
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
Harmonized continuous water quality data in support of modeling harmful algal blooms in the United States, 2005 - 2022
Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
Phytoplankton identification and biovolume data for field samples from Detroit Lake, Oregon, and Owasco Lake, New York, collected in August 2019 and August 2020
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Hyperspectral Characterization of Common Cyanobacteria Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
Phytoplankton Data for Washington Park Lake, New York, September through October 2019
Phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn lake water emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn lake water emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Harmful algal blooms turn water in Milford Lake emerald green
Close up of a cyanobacteria bloom on Elysian Lake, Minnesota
Close up of a cyanobacteria bloom on Elysian Lake, Minnesota
Algal and Other Environmental Toxins Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Cyanobacterial accumulation along with a dead fish
Algal and Other Environmental Toxins Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Cyanobacterial accumulation along with a dead fish
Storm coming in over Cheney Reservoir, Kansas
Storm coming in over Cheney Reservoir, Kansas
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. If you see a bloom, avoid the area.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. If you see a bloom, avoid the area.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.