My research has focused on:
- Life-history evolution using fingernail clams as a model organism
- The physiology of fingernail clams and population energetics
- The biology and ecology of freshwater mussels
- The impact of zebra mussels on native mussels
- The impact of land use on native mussels
- Seasonal variation in stream metabolism in trout streams
- The effect of hydroperiod on metabolism in small ponds
- The decomposition rate of native versus non-native plants in streams and associated terrestrial environments
- Water stratification in small ponds
Over the years my research has been conducted with a number of Macalester College students. Many of these students took my aquatic ecology class in which some of the research took place. A number of students have co-authored papers with me. Former students have gone on to a variety of careers – some related to environmental issues and others in a range of fields (e.g. physicians, policymakers, financial consultants, etc.). Regardless of their destination, I hope that they all look back on our work together with fondness.
Dan Hornbach’s Inaugural Lecture as John S. Holl Professor – 3/2/2016
Video Describing Our 2015-2017 Research
Dan Hornbach and Jens Hegg ’00 met at the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Meeting in Portland, Oregon, in April 2023. Jens is an Assistant Professor at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.
Mini reunion of 3 Mac alums and me at the 2014 Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Portland, Oregon. Left to Right: Lindsay Powers ’92, Dan Hornbach, Jennifer Opdyke Wilhelm ’96, and Dan Allen ’02. Jennifer is an ecologist with King Co. Water and Land Resource Division, Seattle WA; Lindsay is a research associate with NEON in Boulder, CO; Dan Allen is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona – Mesa, AZ.
Summer 2017 Sampling Crew
Top row (L-R) Hayley Stutzman, Kelly MacGregor,
James (Mac) Doherty, Dan Hornbach
Bottom row (L-R): Laura Gould, Mark Hove, Lea Davidson
