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Catherine Pringle
Associate Professor of Ecology
Creative Research
Medal 2000
Catherine Pringle investigates the physical and biological forces
shaping the development of ecological communities of plants and
animals in streams. She is specifically interested in tropical
streams and the effect of shrimp on these ecosystems. Dr. Pringle
developed an underwater device to repel shrimp and other large
organisms from entering her study site. Prior to developing this
device, there was no effective way to exclude shrimp from research
sites. By keeping shrimp out, Dr. Pringle was able to learn what
would happen to the ecosystem if, for instance, shrimp were overharvested.
She found that without shrimp to stir up sediment, the algae population
diminished, reducing the amount available to feed the many organisms
that depend on it for nourishment. Scientists around the world
now use Dr. Pringle’s electrical device in their own studies.
Source: 21st Annual Research Awards Program (2000)
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