Curriculum Vitae
Rachel E. McNeish
The University of Dayton
Department of Biology
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-2320
E-mail: rachel.e.mcneish@gmail.com
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND:
2011 – Present
Ph.D. Biology, The University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
GPA: 4.00
2009 – 2011
M.S. Biology, The University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
GPA: 3.53
2004 – 2009
B.S. Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA
GPA: 3.10
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
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Terrestrial-aquatic linkages
Stream macroinvertebrate functional and community dynamics
Stream management and restoration
Ecosystem function and processes
Invasion biology
PUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS:
McNeish RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2012) Riparian forest invasion by a terrestrial shrub
(Lonicera maackii) impacts aquatic biota and organic matter processing in headwater streams.
Biological Invasions. 14(9): 1881-1893
McNeish RE, EM Moore, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2014) Removal of an invasive shrub,
Lonicera maackii, from riparian forests influences headwater stream biota and ecosystem
function. River Research and Applications. DOI: 10.1002/rra
MANUSCRIPTS IN PREP:
McNeish, RE, CM Garner, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (In Prep) A riparian invasive, Lonicera
maackii, impacts aquatic macroinvertebrate community traits and secondary production. Target
Journal: Biological Invasions
McNeish, RE and RW McEwan (In Prep) Riparian forest degradation: The invasive shrub,
Lonicera maackii, influences nutrient dynamics across the terrestrial-aquatic gradient. Target
Journal: Basic and Applied Ecology
McNeish RE, RW McEwan (In Prep) Invasion ecology of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera
maackii), a case study of impacts at multiple scales. Target Journal: Journal of the Torrey
Botanical Society
McNeish CV 1
McNeish RE, SJ Howlett, N Macias, JR Wallace (In Prep) Riparian invasion impacts feeding
and behavior ecology of native and invasive crayfish. Target Journal: Biological Invasions
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
2011 – Present
Doctoral Research:
Advisor: Ryan W. McEwan
Ecosystem connections: The riparian invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii, alters crosssystem subsidies and drives aquatic community dynamics and ecosystem processes
2009 – 2011
Master’s Research:
Advisors: Ryan W. McEwan and M. Eric Benbow
Ecosystem linkages between terrestrial and aquatic communities: The impact of Amur
Honeysuckle on stream structure and function
2008 – 2009
Undergraduate Research:
Advisor: John R. Wallace
Invasive ecology: Can the feeding on a non-indigenous plant influence the invasion
success of a non-indigenous crayfish?
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2008 – 2009
Lab Assistant, Millersville University, Biology Department, Millersville, PA
Supervisor: Dr. John Wallace
 Assisted on a thesis project focused on sediment legacies of streams, aquatic leaf
decomposition, and macroinvertebrates.
Summer 2008
Field Technician, Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agency, Department of
Agriculture: Bureau of Plant Industry, Entomology Department Lancaster, PA
Supervisor: Sven-Erik Speichger
 Field Technician on the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) project within Lancaster County,
PA. Skills included a visual survey, sweep netting ash trees, placement and
monitoring of insect traps.
2007 - 2009
Field Assistant on the project: Effects of stream restoration on avian communities and
dynamics along Hammer Creek
Supervisor: Dr. David Zegers
 Field identification of avian species by sight and/or sound.
Summer 2007
Lab Technician, Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, PA
Supervisor: Dr. John K. Jackson
 Processed macroinvertebrate Hess samples for the Schuylkill River Project for use as
indicators of water quality within PA.
McNeish CV 2
AWARDED AND SUBMITTED GRANTS/FELLOWSHIPS:
2015
Ohio Invasive Plant Council: Invasive Plant Student Research Grant
2014
Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, University of Dayton
Awarded: $5,350.00
2013
Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, University of Dayton
Awarded: $5,350.00
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
Awarded: $1,000
Garden Club of America
2012
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, University of Dayton
Awarded: $5,350.00
Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Fellowship
The Torrey Botanical Society Graduate Student Research Fellowhip
2011
Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, University of Dayton
Awarded: $2,400.00
2010
Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, University of Dayton
Awarded: $2,200.00
2008
Millersville University Student Research Grant
Awarded: $450.00
Millersville University Keever Grant
Awarded: $255.00
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS AND PRESENTATIONS FROM PROFESSIONAL
MEETINGS (u Indicates Undergraduate):
42. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Removal of the invasive
shrub Lonicera maackii from riparian forests influences headwater stream biota and
ecosystem function. The Society for Freshwater Science 31(2). *Oral Presentation
41. Vrablik, PMu, RE McNeish, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) The removal of a
riparian forest invader (Lonicera maackii) alters macroinvertebrate abundance and
dynamics. The Society for Freshwater Science 31(2).
40. Garner CMu, RE McNeish, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Lonicera maackii (Amur
honeysuckle) riparian invasion impacts aquatic macroinvertebrates biomass in a
headwater stream. The Society for Freshwater Science 31(2).
39. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Removal of the invasive
shrub Lonicera maackii from riparian forests influences headwater stream biota and
ecosystem function. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium. *Oral
Presentation
McNeish CV 3
38. Shade, CAu, RE McNeish, RW McEwan (2015) Investigation of the impacts from
Lonicera maackii riparian forests on plant organic matter availability I headwater
streams. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
37. O’Callaghan, HLu, RE McNeish, RW McEwan (2015) A nutrient analysis on Lonicera
maackii and its contribution to stream nutrient availability and cycling. The University of
Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
36. Garner CMu, RE McNeish, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Lonicera maackii riparian
invasion effects aquatic macroinvertebrates biomass and secondary production in a
headwater stream. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
35. Vrablik, PMu, RE McNeish, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) The removal of a
riparian forest invader (Lonicera maackii) alters macroinvertebrate abundance and
dynamics. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
34. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Removal of the invasive
shrub Lonicera maackii from riparian forests influences headwater stream biota and
ecosystem function. The Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Indiana University
– Bloomington, IN. *Oral Presentation
33. Garner CM, RE McNeish, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2015) Lonicera maackii riparian
invasion effects aquatic macroinvertebrates biomass and secondary production in a
headwater stream. The Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Indiana University –
Bloomington, IN.
32. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2014) Cross-system subsidy
changes associated with the removal of a riparian forest invader (Lonicera maackii) alter
ecosystem processes and macroinvertebrate dynamics. Natural Areas Conference,
Dayton OH. *Oral Presentation
31. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2014) Cross-system subsidy
changes associated with the removal of a riparian forest invader (Lonicera maackii) alter
ecosystem processes and macroinvertebrate dynamics. Joint Aquatic Science Meeting –
The Society for Freshwater Science 30(2). *Oral Presentation
30. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2014) Riparian zone invasion of
Amur honeysuckle alters headwater stream biota and ecosystem function. The University
of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium. *Oral Presentation
29. Dvorskdy CLu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The invasive shrub Amur
honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) influences nutrient dynamics in headwater streams. The
University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
28. Theimann Du, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) Lonicera maackii riparian invasion
impacts macroinvertebrate biomass and secondary production in a headwater stream The
University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
McNeish CV 4
27. Mudrak EMu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The invasive shrub Amur honeysuckle
differentially influences the growth of an herbaceous plant. The University of Dayton
Annual Stander Symposium.
26. Gleason Lu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) Nutrient leaching patterns of invasive an
shrub, Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), and native Box Elder (Acer negundo). The
University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
25. Reihart RWu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The impact of the invasive shrub,
Lonicera maackii, on aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in a headwater
stream. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
24. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2014) Riparian zone invasion of
Amur honeysuckle alters headwater stream biota and ecosystem function. Midwest
Ecology and Evolution Conference, The University of Dayton. *Oral Presentation
23. Dvorskdy CLu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The invasive shrub Amur
honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) influences nutrient dynamics in headwater streams.
Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, The University of Dayton.
22. Theimann Du, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) Lonicera maackii riparian invasion
impacts macroinvertebrate biomass and secondary production in a headwater stream.
Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, the University of Dayton.
21. Mudrak EMu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The invasive shrub Amur honeysuckle
differentially influences the growth of an herbaceous plant. Midwest Ecology and
Evolution Conference, The University of Dayton.
20. Gleason Lu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) Nutrient leaching patterns of invasive an
shrub, Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), and native Box Elder (Acer negundo).
Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, The University of Dayton.
19. Reihart RWu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2014) The impact of the invasive shrub,
Lonicera maackii, on aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in a headwater
stream. Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, The University of Dayton.
18. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2013) Riparian zone invasion of
Amur honeysuckle alters headwater stream biota and ecosystem function. North Central
Weed Science Society in Columbus, OH. *Oral Presentation
17. Dvorsky CLu, McNeish RE, RW McEwan (2013) The invasive shrub Amur honeysuckle
(Lonicera maackii) influences nutrient dynamics in headwater streams. Women’s Science
Conference, Cincinnati OH.
16. McNeish RE, EM Mooreu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2013) Invasive impacts of Amur
honeysuckle on stream ecosystems. Centerville-Washington Park District EcoChat
Series, Centerville, OH. *Invited Oral Presentation
McNeish CV 5
15. McNeish RE, RW McEwan, ME Benbow. (2013) Shifts in cross-system subsidies
associated with riparian forest invasion alters aquatic ecosystem function. Bulletin of the
Society for Freshwater Science 30(2). *Oral Presentation.
14. McNeish RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2013) A riparian forest invader alters crosssystem subsides that change ecosystem processes. The University of Dayton Annual
Stander Symposium. *Poster Presentation.
13. Dvorsky, CLu, RE McNeish, RW McEwan (2013) The invasive shrub Amur
honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) influences nutrient dynamics in headwater streams. The
University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
12. McNeish RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2013) A riparian forest invader alters crosssystem subsides that change ecosystem processes. The Midwest Ecology and Evolution
Conference, University of Notre Dame. *Oral Presentation.
11. McNeish RE, RW McEwan, ME Benbow. (2012) Riparian invasion effects on
terrestrial-aquatic linkages: Insights from a riparian restoration experiment. Bulletin of
the Society for Freshwater Science 29(2). *Oral Presentation.
10. McNeish RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2012) Riparian forest invasion by a terrestrial
shrub (Lonicera maackii) impacts aquatic organic matter processing and biota in
headwater streams. The University of Kentucky Center for Ecology, Evolution, and
Behavior Spring Research Symposium. *Oral Presentation.
9. McNeish RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2012) Riparian forest invasion by a terrestrial
shrub (Lonicera maackii) impacts aquatic organic matter processing and biota in
headwater streams. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium. *Oral
Presentation.
8. Moore Eu, RW McEwan, RE McNeish (2012) Re-establishing native flora in a streamside
forest after removal of the invasive shrub Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). The
University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
7. Barker1 RE, RW McEwan, ME Benbow (2011) Restoration of a riparian zone heavily
invaded by Lonicera maackii alters allochthonous inputs and in-stream organic matter
processing. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society of America 28(2).
*Poster presentation.
6. Barker RE, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2011) Linkages Between Terrestrial and Aquatic
Communities: The Invasive Shrub Lonicera maackii Influences Ecosystem Processes and
Macroinvertebrate Colonization. The University of Dayton Annual Stander Symposium.
*Oral Presentation.
5. Branner Ju, RE Barker, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2011) Ecological restoration of the
terrestrial environment can influence aquatic ecosystems: A test using the ubiquitous nonnative invasive shrub Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). The University of Dayton
Annual Stander Symposium.
1
Name changed from Barker to McNeish
McNeish CV 6
4. Barker RE, TB Blairu, ME Shoda, RW McEwan, ME Benbow (2010) Invasive species
(Lonicera maackii) effects on terrestrial and aquatic linkages through organic matter
processing and macroinvertebrate community colonization and survivorship. Ecological
Society of America 95th Annual Meeting Abstracts. *Poster Presentation.
3. Barker RE, TB Blairu, ME Benbow, RW McEwan (2010) Linkages between terrestrial
and aquatic communities: The invasive shrub Lonicera maackii influences leaf breakdown
rates and macroinvertebrate colonization. Bulletin of the North American Benthological
Society of America 27(2). *Poster Presentation.
2. Blair TBu, ME Shoda, RE Barker, RW McEwan, ME Benbow (2010) Differential effects
of introduced and native tree species leachate on stream insects. Bulletin of the North
American Benthological Society of America 27(2).
1. Barker RE, JR Wallace (2009) Invasive ecology: Can the feeding on a non-indigenous
plant influence the invasion success of a non-indigenous crayfish? Bulletin of the North
American Benthological Society of America 26(2).
RESEARCH SKILLS:
Field:
 Aquatic macroinvertebrate collection using Surber sampler, Hess sampler, D-frame net,
and kick net
 Benthic Chlorophyll a standing stock biomass sample collection and processing
 Water column collection and processing of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM),
fine particulate organic matter (FPOM)
 Forest/riparian zone surveys by the point-center-quarter method and quadrant method
 Canopy cover measured with a densiometer
 Stream habitat assessment using the Ohio EPA primary headwater habitat evaluation
index (HHEI) and qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI)
 Stream velocity and discharge measurement using a SonTek Flow Tracker
 Water temperature, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and pH measurement of
freshwater systems using a YSI Sonde probe
 Sunlight measurement using a portable lux meter
 Characterization of stream rock/pebble substrata using a gravelometer
 Avian and plant taxonomic identification
Laboratory:
 Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification to family and genus level
 Measurement of aquatic macroinvertebrate standing stock biomass and secondary
production using allometric equations and ash-free-dry-mass
 Leaf pack processing: sorting and identifying leaves and macroinvertebrates and
calculating leaf pack decay coefficients
 Measurement of organic matter composition via the ash-free-dry-mass process
 Nutrient processing of water samples for orthophosphate, soluble reactive phosphorus
(SRP/DRP), nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and ammonia
 Characterization of mixed microbial and fungal community metabolic profiles using
Biolog Eco- and FF-Microplates
McNeish CV 7
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Germination of a wide variety of plants in growth chambers
Statistical Analyses:
 Statistical Programs: Experience using R, ArcGIS, PcOrd, Prism, Excel, ERDAS, SPSS
 Experience in multivariate, parametric, non-parametric, and community level analyses
 Experience with interpolation mapping and spatial analyses
STUDENT MENTORING:
2015
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Claudia Garner, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Patrick Vrablik, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
2014
Supervisor for a high school science fair project, Helen McHenry, Altar High School,
Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Hannah O’Callaghan, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Danielle Theimann, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Elena Mudrak, Biology Department,
University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Elizabeth Gleason, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Ryan Reihart, Biology Department,
University of Dayton, OH
2013
Supervisor for a high shcool science fair project, Helen McHenry, Altar High School,
Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Courtney Dvorsky, Biology
Department, University of Dayton, OH
2012
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Ellen Kaiser, Biology Department,
University of Dayton, OH
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Eryn Moore, Biology Department,
University of Dayton, OH
McNeish CV 8
2011
Co-supervisor for an undergraduate research project, Joe Branner, Biology Department,
University of Dayton, OH
GRADUATE TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
2014
BIO 420 and 420L
Marine Biology Field Course and Lab, The University of
Dayton, OH (Four-credit, three-week, experiential course
taught in the Hawaiian Islands)
2013
BIO 310L
Ecology Lab, The University of Dayton, OH
2012
BIO 409L
Restoration Ecology Lab, The University of Dayton, OH
2011-14
BIO 461L
Invertebrate Zoology Lab, The University of Dayton, OH
2010-12
BIO 152L
Concepts of Biology Lab II: Evolution and Ecology, The
University of Dayton, OH
2009-12
BIO 151L
Concepts of Biology Lab I: Cell and Molecular Biology,
The University of Dayton, OH
GUEST LECTURES:
2014
Environmental Science and Society (EES 1990), Wright State University, OH
Title: Aquatic degradation: The ghost of landuse past, water wars, and invasive species
Restoration Ecology (BIO 409), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: Stream degradation and restoration in practice
Environmental Ecology (BIO 459), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: Aquatic biomes and restoration in practice
2013
Ecology (BIO 310), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: An introduction to aquatic biomes
2012
Ecology (BIO 310), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: Invasive species ecology
Restoration Ecology (BIO 409), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems: The ghost of land-use past, the water wars, and
invasive species
Restoration Ecology Lab (BIO 409L), The University of Dayton, OH
Field Labs: Invasive plant species removal, aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling and
identification, and the Ohio EPA primary headwater habitat index (PHHI)
McNeish CV 9
2011
Plant Diversity and Ecology (BIO 407), The University of Dayton, OH
Title: Invasive species ecology
2010-2014
Comparative Animal Physiology (BIO 450), The University of Dayton, OH
Field Lab: Aquatic invertebrate physiology
2009-2011
Global Environmental Biology (BIO 395), The University of Dayton, OH
Field Lab: Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and stream sampling
2009-2012
Ecology (BIO 310L), The University of Dayton, OH
Field Lab: Benthic macroinvertebrate identification
MANUSCRIPT JOURNALS REVIEWED:
Advances in Ecology
Forests
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE:
2014
Assistant to the Program Chair, Natural Areas Conference, Dayton, OH
2013 – 2014
Co-coordinated the 2014 Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference
(MEEC) hosted by The University of Dayton, OH
2013
Co-hosted Biology Seminar Speaker Dr. Michelle Evans-White, The
University of Dayton, OH
2012 – Present
Secretary, Graduate Student Association, The University of Dayton, OH
RECOGNITION AWARDS:
2012
Gerald L Willis Award for Excellence in Teaching Advanced Biology Laboratory
Classes
2011
John J. Comer Graduate Ecological Research Award
Gerald L. Willis Award for Excellence in Teaching Introductory Biology
Laboratory Classes
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS:
2015
Writing from the Reader’s Perspective, Dr. George Gopen, University of Dayton,
Dayton, OH
2014
Women’s Start Smart Workshop, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
2013
Annual American Council of Education (ACE) Women’s Network Ohio
Conference, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
McNeish CV 10
Grant Writing Workshop with Mary M. Licklider, Phd., University of Dayton,
Dayton, OH
MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS:
Society for Freshwater Science (Formerly NABS)
Torrey Botanical Society
Ecological Society of America
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