Kenna serves as the Bureau Quality Management System (QMS) Coordinator in the Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI), where she oversees and guides the activities of the Bureau QMS Work Group from policy development to implementation plans.
She works closely with Mission Areas and Regional Management to ensure consistency across the Bureau, and assures the successful implementation of a QMS in all USGS laboratories. Kenna joined the USGS in 2001 as a chemistry laboratory manager in the Water Mission Area's National Research Program working with George Aiken, where her research focused on dissolved organic carbon characterization, migration and metal interaction in aquatic environments. After 14 years in that role, she entered center management before beginning her current role in 2018. As the NRP Central Branch Chief, Kenna oversaw the scientific priorities of 80 personnel, directly supervising 23 GS-15 and ST scientists. As a member of the NRP Management Team, Kenna was responsible for a complex scientific portfolio. Prior to joining the USGS, Kenna worked for the U.S. Army in Germany as a drinking water quality organic chemist working under an ISO accredited quality system. Kenna holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Master's degree in Management with an emphasis on Public Administration.
Science and Products
Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008
The sampling of the riverine-to-marine transect (Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine) took place in 2008. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in Boulder, Colorado and chilled to approximately 4 d
Filter Total Items: 26
Unifying concepts linking dissolved organic matter composition to persistence in aquatic ecosystems
The link between composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is central to understanding the role aquatic systems play in the global carbon cycle; yet, unifying concepts driving molecular composition have yet to be established. We characterized 37 DOM isolates from diverse aquatic ecosystems, including their stable and radiocarbon isotopes (δ13C-dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and
Comparison of the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter in three lakes in Minnesota
New information on the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in three lakes in Minnesota has been gained from spectral editing and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, indicating the effects of lake hydrological settings on DOM composition. Williams Lake (WL), Shingobee Lake (SL), and Manganika Lake (ML) had different source inputs, and the lake water residenc
Evidence for major input of riverine organic matter into the ocean
The changes in the structure of XAD-8 isolated dissolved organic matter (DOM) samples along a river (Penobscot River) to estuary (Penobscot Bay) to ocean (across the Gulf of Maine) transect and from the Pacific Ocean were investigated using selective and two dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with elemental and carbon isotope analysis. The results provide import
Pan-arctic trends in terrestrial dissolved organic matter from optical measurements
Climate change is causing extensive warming across Arctic regions resulting in permafrost degradation, alterations to regional hydrology and shifting amounts and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) transported by streams and rivers. Here, we characterize the DOM composition and optical properties of the six largest Arctic rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean to examine the ability of op
Dissolved organic matter composition of Arctic rivers: Linking permafrost and parent material to riverine carbon
Recent climate change in the Arctic is driving permafrost thaw, which has important implications for regional hydrology and global carbon dynamics. Permafrost is an important control on groundwater dynamics and the amount and chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) transported by high-latitude rivers. The consequences of permafrost thaw for riverine DOM dynamics will likely vary acr
DOM composition and transformation in boreal forest soils: The effects of temperature and organic-horizon decomposition state
The boreal region stores large amounts of organic carbon (C) in organic-soil horizons, which are vulnerable to destabilization via warming and disturbance. Decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) contributes to the production and turnover of dissolved organic matter (DOM). While temperature is a primary control on rates of SOM and DOM cycling, little is known about temperature effects on DOM co
Novel insights from NMR spectroscopy into seasonal changes in the composition of dissolved organic matter exported to the Bering Sea by the Yukon River
Seasonal (spring freshet, summer–autumn, and winter) variability in the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the Yukon River was determined using advanced one- and two-dimensional (2D) solid-state NMR spectroscopy, coupled with isotopic measurements and UV–visible spectroscopy. Analyses were performed on two major DOM fractions, the hydrophobic organic acid (HPOA) and transp
Toward a quantitative and empirical dissolved organic carbon budget for the Gulf of Maine, a semienclosed shelf sea
A time series of organic carbon export from Gulf of Maine (GoM) watersheds was compared to a time series of biological, chemical, bio-optical, and hydrographic properties, measured across the GoM between Yarmouth, NS, Canada, and Portland, ME, U.S. Optical proxies were used to quantify the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon in the GoM. The Load Estimator regression model
Removal of terrestrial DOC in aquatic ecosystems of a temperate river network
Surface waters play a potentially important role in the global carbon balance. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes are a major transfer of terrestrial carbon to river systems, and the fate of DOC in aquatic systems is poorly constrained. We used a unique combination of spatially distributed sampling of three DOC fractions throughout a river network and modeling to quantify the net removal of ter
Long-term anoxia and release of ancient, labile carbon upon thaw of Pleistocene permafrost
The fate of permafrost carbon upon thaw will drive feedbacks to climate warming. Here we consider the character and context of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in yedoma permafrost cores from up to 20 m depth in central Alaska. We observed high DOC concentrations (4 to 129 mM) and consistent low molecular weight organic acid concentrations in three cores. We estimate a DOC production rate of 12 µmol
Importance of the colmation layer in the transport and removal of cyanobacteria, viruses, and dissolved organic carbon during natural lake-bank filtration
This study focused on the importance of the colmation layer in the removal of cyanobacteria, viruses, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during natural bank filtration. Injection-and-recovery studies were performed at two shallow (0.5 m deep), sandy, near-shore sites at the southern end of Ashumet Pond, a waste-impacted, kettle pond on Cape Cod, MA, that is subject to periodic blooms of cyanobacte
Using dissolved organic matter age and composition to detect permafrost thaw in boreal watersheds of interior Alaska
Recent warming at high latitudes has accelerated permafrost thaw, which can modify soil carbon dynamics and watershed hydrology. The flux and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from soils to rivers are sensitive to permafrost configuration and its impact on subsurface hydrology and groundwater discharge. Here, we evaluate the utility of DOM composition and age as a tool for detecting pe
Science and Products
- Data
Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008
The sampling of the riverine-to-marine transect (Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine) took place in 2008. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in Boulder, Colorado and chilled to approximately 4 d - Publications
Filter Total Items: 26
Unifying concepts linking dissolved organic matter composition to persistence in aquatic ecosystems
The link between composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is central to understanding the role aquatic systems play in the global carbon cycle; yet, unifying concepts driving molecular composition have yet to be established. We characterized 37 DOM isolates from diverse aquatic ecosystems, including their stable and radiocarbon isotopes (δ13C-dissolved organic carbon (DOC) andComparison of the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter in three lakes in Minnesota
New information on the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in three lakes in Minnesota has been gained from spectral editing and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, indicating the effects of lake hydrological settings on DOM composition. Williams Lake (WL), Shingobee Lake (SL), and Manganika Lake (ML) had different source inputs, and the lake water residencEvidence for major input of riverine organic matter into the ocean
The changes in the structure of XAD-8 isolated dissolved organic matter (DOM) samples along a river (Penobscot River) to estuary (Penobscot Bay) to ocean (across the Gulf of Maine) transect and from the Pacific Ocean were investigated using selective and two dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with elemental and carbon isotope analysis. The results provide importPan-arctic trends in terrestrial dissolved organic matter from optical measurements
Climate change is causing extensive warming across Arctic regions resulting in permafrost degradation, alterations to regional hydrology and shifting amounts and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) transported by streams and rivers. Here, we characterize the DOM composition and optical properties of the six largest Arctic rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean to examine the ability of opDissolved organic matter composition of Arctic rivers: Linking permafrost and parent material to riverine carbon
Recent climate change in the Arctic is driving permafrost thaw, which has important implications for regional hydrology and global carbon dynamics. Permafrost is an important control on groundwater dynamics and the amount and chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) transported by high-latitude rivers. The consequences of permafrost thaw for riverine DOM dynamics will likely vary acrDOM composition and transformation in boreal forest soils: The effects of temperature and organic-horizon decomposition state
The boreal region stores large amounts of organic carbon (C) in organic-soil horizons, which are vulnerable to destabilization via warming and disturbance. Decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) contributes to the production and turnover of dissolved organic matter (DOM). While temperature is a primary control on rates of SOM and DOM cycling, little is known about temperature effects on DOM coNovel insights from NMR spectroscopy into seasonal changes in the composition of dissolved organic matter exported to the Bering Sea by the Yukon River
Seasonal (spring freshet, summer–autumn, and winter) variability in the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the Yukon River was determined using advanced one- and two-dimensional (2D) solid-state NMR spectroscopy, coupled with isotopic measurements and UV–visible spectroscopy. Analyses were performed on two major DOM fractions, the hydrophobic organic acid (HPOA) and transpToward a quantitative and empirical dissolved organic carbon budget for the Gulf of Maine, a semienclosed shelf sea
A time series of organic carbon export from Gulf of Maine (GoM) watersheds was compared to a time series of biological, chemical, bio-optical, and hydrographic properties, measured across the GoM between Yarmouth, NS, Canada, and Portland, ME, U.S. Optical proxies were used to quantify the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon in the GoM. The Load Estimator regression modelRemoval of terrestrial DOC in aquatic ecosystems of a temperate river network
Surface waters play a potentially important role in the global carbon balance. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes are a major transfer of terrestrial carbon to river systems, and the fate of DOC in aquatic systems is poorly constrained. We used a unique combination of spatially distributed sampling of three DOC fractions throughout a river network and modeling to quantify the net removal of terLong-term anoxia and release of ancient, labile carbon upon thaw of Pleistocene permafrost
The fate of permafrost carbon upon thaw will drive feedbacks to climate warming. Here we consider the character and context of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in yedoma permafrost cores from up to 20 m depth in central Alaska. We observed high DOC concentrations (4 to 129 mM) and consistent low molecular weight organic acid concentrations in three cores. We estimate a DOC production rate of 12 µmolImportance of the colmation layer in the transport and removal of cyanobacteria, viruses, and dissolved organic carbon during natural lake-bank filtration
This study focused on the importance of the colmation layer in the removal of cyanobacteria, viruses, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during natural bank filtration. Injection-and-recovery studies were performed at two shallow (0.5 m deep), sandy, near-shore sites at the southern end of Ashumet Pond, a waste-impacted, kettle pond on Cape Cod, MA, that is subject to periodic blooms of cyanobacteUsing dissolved organic matter age and composition to detect permafrost thaw in boreal watersheds of interior Alaska
Recent warming at high latitudes has accelerated permafrost thaw, which can modify soil carbon dynamics and watershed hydrology. The flux and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from soils to rivers are sensitive to permafrost configuration and its impact on subsurface hydrology and groundwater discharge. Here, we evaluate the utility of DOM composition and age as a tool for detecting pe