Elizabeth A ColburnDr. Elizabeth A. Colburn presently is Aquatic Ecologist at Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts. Betsy's fascination with freshwater ecosystems developed during her childhood in eastern Massachusetts and was nurtured with her formal higher eduction at Brown University, Occidental College (B.A. in Biology), and The University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology). She has conducted research in Wisconsin, California, and especially New England. From 1983 to 2001, Betsy worked as Aquatic Ecologist for Massachusetts Audubon, during which time she studied and taught about the ecology and conservation of vernal pools and other freshwater ecosystems and advocated reforms in water quality and wetlands regulations. Betsy continues her wide ranging interest in water issues at Harvard Forest where, in addition to carrying out research, she participates in local, state, regional, and national forums involved with education, policy-making, management, and conservation as these efforts relate to freshwater life. Read More Read Less