Christopher Dempsey

  • Associate Professor
    Biology Department
  • Associate Director
    Biology Department
  • Drctr, Freshwater & Marine B
    Biology Department

Watch a Biography of Christopher Dempsey

I am a broadly trained aquatic ecologist/environmental scientist that is interested in how changes at the landscape level influence aquatic ecosystems. I am primarily interested in studying dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We utilize the optical (fluorescence and absorbance) properties of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to study changes in lakes, rivers, and streams.

Ongoing research efforts include the role that sunlight plays in the photo-degradation of dissolved organic matter, organic matter transport in headwater streams, and the monthly sampling of Presque Isle Bay.  Students working in the research labs at Gannon gain hands on experience while studying aquatic ecosystems.

Outside of the classroom, I am an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys hiking, running, and cycling. 
  • Introduction to Aquatic Sciences (BIOL 140)
  • Biogeochemistry (BIOL 350)
  • Limnology (BIOL 385+386)
  • Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL 122)
  • Environmental Issues (BIOL 103)
  • Ecology (BIOL 298+299)
  • Global Climate Change (BIOL 496)
  • Tropical Marine Biology (BIOL 383)

 

 

  • Lehigh University, PhD-2013
  • Lehigh University, MS- 2010
  • Lycoming College, BS- 2007
  • Gannon University-Associate Professor 2020-present
  • Gannon University-Assistant Professor 2015-2020
  • Wilkes University- Visiting Assistant Professor- 2013-2015

Publications (* denotes undergraduate author)

9. Dempsey, C.M., J.A. Brentrup, S. Magyan*, L.B. Knoll, H.M. Swain, E.E. Gaiser, D.P. Morris, M.T. Ganger, and C.E. Williamson. 2020. The relative importance of photodegradation and biodegradation of terrestrially derived dissolved organic carbon across four lakes of differing trophic status. Biogeosciences, 17, 6327-6340. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-6327-2020

8.  Dempsey, C.M., J.A. Brentrup, S. Magyan*, L.B. Knoll, H.M. Swain, E.E. Gaiser, D.P. Morris, M.T. Ganger, and C.E. Williamson. 2020. Photodegradation and biodegradation of dissolved organic carbon from four lakes of varying trophic status in Pennsylvania and Florida in 2016 ver 1. Environmental Data Initiative. https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/f786154967693a6e86c9b63fd9e30091 (Accessed 2020-10-29).

7. Oakhill, J*., Protchko, S*., and Dempsey, C.M. 2018. Quantifying the source and amount of suspended sediment transported during storm events in Huntsville Creek, Luzerne County, PA.  Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. Vol 92 (1), pp 13-32.

6. Bodzin, A., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., Peffer, T., Dempsey, C. and Steelman-Couch, R.  2014.  Investigating climate change understandings of urban middle level students.  Journal of Geoscience Education. Volume 62, pp 417-430.

5. Gillette B, Dempsey C., Bodzin A, Anastasio D, Sahagian D, Cirucci L. LETTERS. Science Scope [serial online]. March 2013;36(7):6-7. Available from: Education Research Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 16, 2013.

4. Dempsey, C., Morris, D., and Peters, S. 2013. Assessing changes in microbial respiration, BGE, and bacterial production with nutrient addition to batch cultures.  Freshwater Ecology. Volume 28, No. 3, pp 411-421.

3.  Dempsey, C., Bodzin, A., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., and Cirruci, L.  2012. Investigating future climate scenarios: who will be affected by sea level rise?  Science Scope. Volume 36 (4).

2.  Dempsey C., Bodzin, A., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., and Cirruci, L. 2012.  Reconstructing environmental change using lake varves as a climate proxy.  Science Scope. Volume 35 (7).

1.  Climate Change.  2011.  http://www.ei.lehigh.edu/eli/cc/. Bodzin, A., Dempsey, C., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., Peffer, T., Bressler, D., Cirruci, L., Turner, L., and Diltz, M.   External validation: National Science Digital Library (NSDL), Digital Library for Earth System Science (DLESE).

 

Selected Conference Presentations (*denotes undergraduate student author)

10. Dempsey, C.M., Beaumont, A.*, Pepple, E.*, Keeports, C., Bobnar, L., and Hayes, B. 2020. Pre-restoration summary of organic matter content in Little Arnot Creek, Allegheny National Forest. 15th Annual River Symposium, Bucknell University (poster)

9. Dempsey, C.M., *Luchansky, K., and Andraso, G. 2019. Long term monitoring update: water quality changes in Presque Isle Bay 2016-2019. The Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Center at Presque Isle 15th Annual Research Symposium. Erie, PA. (oral)

8. Crosby, C., Peterson, C., Samuel, D., Calderón-Martell, I., Dempsey, C., and Andraso, G. (2019) Comparison of fish and macroinvertebrate communities from upstream and downstream sites on Lake Erie tributary streams. The Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Center at Presque Isle 15th Annual Research Symposium. Erie, PA. (poster)

7.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P., Osburn, C.L., Peters, S.C., and Pazzaglia, F.J.  Assessing changes to DOM spectral properties during seasonal storm events.  Abstract 081, presented at 2014 Joint Aquatic Science Meeting, Portland, OR.  May 18-23, 2014.

6.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P., Pazzaglia, F.J., Raymond, P., and Peters, S.C.  The age and lability of organic carbon in headwater catchments with varying land use.  GSA Abstracts with Programs Vol. 44, No. 7 (2012).

5.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P., Osburn, C.L., Peters, S.C., and Pazzaglia, F.J.  The use of PARAFAC components in studying headwater catchments: a stream and soil study.  Abstract B21E-0418, presented at 2012 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, CA, 2-7 Dec.

4.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P., Pazzaglia, F.J., and Peters, S.C.  Determining the age and lability of dissolved organic carbon: A multiple land use study. Abstract B31J-07, presented at 2011 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 5-9 Dec.

3.  Dempsey, C., Bodzin, A., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., and Cirruci, L.  Investigating climate change issues with web based geospatial inquiry activities. Abstract ED21C-0591 Poster, presented at 2011 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 5-9 Dec.

2.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P.  Studying the role of nutrient limitation on microbial communities in headwater streams. Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Conference, Allentown, PA. 2010, April.

1.  Dempsey, C., Morris, D.P.  Understanding the role of phosphorous limitation in controlling microbial respiration in headwater streams.  Presented at 2009 Summer Meeting, ASLO, Santa Fe, NM. June 2-7.

Christopher Dempsey

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