Kelly Love

Aquatic Biologist

Kelly moved to the St. Louis area from Athens, Ohio but she lived in Cleveland, Ohio most of her life. She received her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation from Ohio University. During her time there, she studied the impacts of climate change on ornate tree lizard physiology. After she completed her undergraduate degree, she served as an AmeriCorps member for the Raccoon Creek Partnership for two years and then as the treasurer for the nonprofit’s board. During her time with the Raccoon Creek Partnership, she focused on stream restoration in southeast Ohio related to acid mine drainage caused by prelaw coal mining. She conducted surveys in streams throughout the Appalachian region including benthic macroinvertebrate collections, habitat assessments, fish population surveys, and water quality surveys in the area.

Kelly has a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Her published thesis was titled “Leaf Litter Decomposition in Restored Stream Wetland Complexes Compared to Forested Headwater Streams”. Her research determined the effectiveness of restoration techniques on stream-wetland complexes that have been impacted by logging and mining in the Wheeling watershed in Pennsylvania. Leaf litter decomposition, light intensity, chlorophyll a, phosphate and nitrate concentrations, and macroinvertebrate communities were used as factors to determine restoration effectiveness.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys going on random adventures with her fox terrier, Riley, traveling, hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

Education

Master of Science, Environmental Studies
Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation
Ohio University