Victoria Glenn Christensen, PhD
Dr. Christensen is a research hydrologist who studies HABs, algal toxins, and cyanobacteria. She is a member of the Environmental Health Program's Algal Toxin Team and serves as the acting Communications Coordinator for the Water Mission Area.
Victoria Christensen studies cyanotoxins, with a focus on the neurotoxins, anatoxin-a and saxitoxin. Cyanotoxins are produced by cyanobacterial harmful alglal blooms (HABs), which are sometimes called blue-green algae. Her master’s research examined the occurrence and fate of dissolved solids, nutrients, atrazine, and bacteria in an agricultural watershed. Her dissertation research focused on cyanotoxin mixtures with an emphasis neurotoxins—looking at the environmental variables like wind and temperature that may trigger cyanobacteria to produce or release toxins. In addition to the study of harmful algae and their toxins, Victoria's interests and project work include real-time water-quality monitoring, effects of land use on water quality, the fate of nutrients in agricultural and reservoir systems. She also has an interest in writing and communicating science topics to broad audiences and is a trainer and USGS Subject Matter Expert on Scientific Project Management.
Professional Experience
Dr. Christensen has been working for the USGS for over twenty years and has experience in water quality, water-level management, and has done extensive research on cyanotoxins, harmful algal blooms, and nutrients. Prior to working for the USGS, she held positions with University of Kansas, Twin Cities Testing, and 3M Corporation.
Education and Certifications
PhD, Environmental and Conservation Science, North Dakota State University
MS, Water Resources Science, Dept. of Engineering, University of Kansas
BS, Geology, University of Kansas
BA, Management, Hamline University
Science and Products
Phytoplankton community and algal toxicity at a recurring bloom in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, USA
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA suffers from recurring late summer algal blooms that often contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Previous research identified the toxin microcystin in blooms, but we wanted to better understand how the algal and cyanobacterial community changed throughout an open water season and how changes in community structure were related to toxin pr
Complex response of sediment phosphorus to land use and management within a river network
Denitrification in the river network of a mixed land use watershed: Unpacking the complexities
Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of peak flows on small streams in the binational U.S. and Canadian Lake of the Woods–Rainy River Basin upstream from Kenora, Ontario, Canada, based on data through water year 2013
Sediment oxygen demand: A review of in situ methods
A history of trade routes and water-level regulation on waterways in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA
Voyageurs National Park: Water-level regulation and effects on water quality and aquatic biology
Mercury and water level fluctuations in lakes of northern Minnesota
Lake levels and water quality in comparison to fish mercury body burdens, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2013–15
Migratory bird habitat in relation to tile drainage and poorly drained hydrologic soil groups
Discharge and nutrient transport between lakes in a hydrologically complex area of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2010-2012
Trophic state in Voyageurs National Park lakes before and after implementation of a revised water-level management plan
Science and Products
Phytoplankton community and algal toxicity at a recurring bloom in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, USA
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA suffers from recurring late summer algal blooms that often contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Previous research identified the toxin microcystin in blooms, but we wanted to better understand how the algal and cyanobacterial community changed throughout an open water season and how changes in community structure were related to toxin pr