Jennifer Lafayette

Jennifer Lafayette is a hydrologic technician with many years of experience in fresh water and estuary water quality monitoring, assessment, and environmental research. Her work at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of estuarine ecosystems, with an emphasis on water quality monitoring and the impacts of human activities, nutrient loading, coastal acidification and climate change on these sensitive environments.

•Project lead on a multi-year study on the effects of nutrient loading to create models for each embayment based on the collected water quality data, spatial, velocity and vertical data along with continuous water quality monitoring data which will help improve the understanding of physical and chemical processes of each embayment in Long Island Sound.
•Project lead on a multi-year study on coastal acidification within the Long Island Sound. 
•CT Office Lab Manager- Responsible for the overall management of laboratory activities, including equipment maintenance, safety protocols, staff training, and ensuring compliance with federal and industry regulations.

Expertise:

•Water Quality Monitoring: Leading field-based and laboratory studies to monitor estuarine water quality, including parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, chlorophyll, turbidity and nutrient levels (nitrogen and phosphorus), and contaminants.
•Sampling Methodologies: Designing and implementing rigorous sampling protocols to ensure consistent and reliable data collection across various estuarine environments.
•Data Analysis and Interpretation: Utilizing advanced statistical tools and modeling techniques to analyze water quality trends, identify pollution sources, and assess ecosystem health.
•Collaborative Research: Working with federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, and environmental organizations to enhance understanding of estuary dynamics and improve water quality management practices.