Dr. Jared A. Balik
Curriculum Vitae - LAST UPDATED JULY 2022
<New Western colorado University work email coming soon, or find my personal address in one of my publications!>
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology Graduated August 1, 2021
Concentration in Ecology & Evolution
Minor in Geographic Information Systems
North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology
Advisor: Dr. Brad W. Taylor
Committee Members: Drs. Stacy Nelson (GIS Minor advisor), Marcelo Ardón, James Heffernan
Dissertation Title: From Animals to Ecosystem Processes: Predicting Functional Outcomes of Climate-driven Changes in Animal Communities through Species Traits
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science Graduated: May 14, 2016
Minor in Environmental Writing
Allegheny College, Departments of Biology and Environmental Science
Advisors: Dr. Scott Wissinger and Dr. Milton Ostrofsky
GPA: 3.804/4.0
Publications
Selected First Author Manuscripts in Preparation
Selected Coauthor Manuscripts in Preparation
Technical Reports
Funded and in Review Research Grants and Fellowships (Lead Investigator)
Contributions to Research Grants
Professional Appointments
Teaching Experience
Conference Presentations and Invited Seminars (First Author)
Conference Presentations as Co-Author
Leadership and Service
Ecology & Evolution Seminar Series Coordinator, 2018-2019;
NCSU Graduate Student Association for Biology (GSAB)
Coordinated and led identification, invitation, scheduling, and hosting of seminar speakers for the Ecology & Evolution Seminar Series. The series included seven speakers per semester, totaling fourteen per academic year. For example, speakers for fall 2018 included Drs. Amy Rosemond (UGA), Scott Edwards (Harvard), Jason Munshi-South (Fordham), Joel Kingsolver (UNC), Stephanie Kamel (UNC), and Erika Zavaleta (UC Santa Cruz). Speakers for spring 2019 include Debra Bangasser (Temple), Joshua Grinath (Middle Tennessee State), Tom Smith (UCLA), Tracey Bale (U Maryland), Daniel Schindler (U Washington), and Luke Remage-Healey (UM Amherst).
North Carolina State University Department of Applied Ecology
Organized departmental recruitment weekend events including a poster session and social elements in spring 2018 and 2019. Routinely participated in faculty candidate interviews by attending candidate seminars and interacting with candidates during graduate student lunches and group meetings. Served as Graduate Representative on Environmental Health & Risk Assessment Faculty Search. In this role, I mustered graduate student attendance at candidate interview seminars and facilitated additional opportunities for graduate students to interact with candidates during lunches. In turn, I collated and shared graduate student feedback on each candidate at faculty meetings.
Allegheny College Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
Treasurer (2013-2014)
President (2014-2016)
I facilitated campus-wide discussions about fracking and divestment, worked with administration and English department faculty to organize the addition of a “Literary Nature Walk” to the College's “Green Tour”, and planned numerous events for the campus community, including creek cleanups, an annual Local Foods Dinner, campus-wide energy challenges, and numerous workshops and discussions to promote themes including sustainability, recycling, gardening, environmental advocacy, and social justice. Additionally, I hosted monthly themed potlucks open to campus community, coordinated and lead student trips to national protests and conferences, including Keystone XL, People's Climate March, and Powershift, and brought speakers to campus, including Josh Fox, The Beehive Collective, several 350.org representatives, and The Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
Awards and Honors
Certifications
Professional Societies
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology Graduated August 1, 2021
Concentration in Ecology & Evolution
Minor in Geographic Information Systems
North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology
Advisor: Dr. Brad W. Taylor
Committee Members: Drs. Stacy Nelson (GIS Minor advisor), Marcelo Ardón, James Heffernan
Dissertation Title: From Animals to Ecosystem Processes: Predicting Functional Outcomes of Climate-driven Changes in Animal Communities through Species Traits
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science Graduated: May 14, 2016
Minor in Environmental Writing
Allegheny College, Departments of Biology and Environmental Science
Advisors: Dr. Scott Wissinger and Dr. Milton Ostrofsky
GPA: 3.804/4.0
Publications
- Balik, J. A., Leitz, C., Washko, S. E., Cleveland, B., Krejsa, D. M., Perchik, M. E., Stogsdill, A., Vlah, M., Demi, L. M., Greig, H. S., Shepard, I. D., Taylor, B. W., Wilmot, O. J., Wissinger, S. A. Species-specific traits predict whole-assemblage detritus processing by pond invertebrates. In press, Oecologia.
- Balik, J. A., West, D. C., & Taylor, B. W. (2021). High-discharge disturbance does not alter the seasonal trajectory of nutrient uptake in a montane stream. Hydrobiologia, 1-16.
- Balik, J. A., Jameson, E. E., Wissinger, S. A., Whiteman, H. H., & Taylor, B. W. (2021). Animal-Driven Nutrient Supply Declines Relative to Ecosystem Nutrient Demand Along a Pond Hydroperiod Gradient. Ecosystems, 1-19.
- West, D. C., Balik, J. A., Owens, M., & Taylor, B. W. (2020). Didymosphenia geminata blooms are not exclusively driven by low phosphorus under experimental conditions. Hydrobiologia, 1-13.
- DelVecchia, A. G., Balik, J. A., Campbell, S. K., Taylor, B. W., West, D. C., & Wissinger, S. A. (2019). Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Efflux from Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Temporary Subalpine Ponds. Wetlands, 1-15.
- Balik, J. A., Taylor, B. W., Washko, S. E., & Wissinger, S. A. (2018). High interspecific variation in nutrient excretion within a guild of closely related caddisfly species. Ecosphere, 9(5).
Selected First Author Manuscripts in Preparation
- Balik, J. A., Greig, H. S., Taylor, B. W., Wissinger, S. A. Consequences of climate-induced range expansions on multiple ecosystem functions. Submitted to Nature Ecology & Evolution.
- Balik, J. A., Taylor B. W. An experimental test of climate-driven changes in stream temperature, light, and nutrient availability on biofilms and nutrient dynamics. In prep for resubmission Fall 2022.
- Balik, J. A., Taylor, B. W. Advancing peak flow hydrology alters montane stream nutrient dynamics and biofilm development. Tentative title, in prep for submission to Freshwater Science Spring 2023.
Selected Coauthor Manuscripts in Preparation
- Klemmer, A. J., Balik, J. A., Thornton, E. J., Burns, R., Wissinger, S.A. Nutrients released by detritivores stimulate benthic algal biomass and grazer growth. Tentative title. In prep for submission to Freshwater Science Fall 2022.
- Wood, Z. T., Shepard, I. D., Mohan, J., Balik, J. A., Greig, H. S., Klemmer, A. J. Accounting for Nondetections in Distributions of Ecological Density or Concentration: A Zero-inflated Lognormal Distribution. Tentative Title, in prep for submission to Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Winter 2022.
- Greig, H. S., Taylor, B. W., DelVecchia, A. G., Balik, J. A., Wissinger, S. A. Effects of Interspecific competition on detritus processing following an upslope species range expansion. Tentative title, in prep for submission to Journal of Animal Ecology Winter 2022.
Technical Reports
- Bradshaw-Wilson, C., and J. A. Balik (2015). Baseline water quality in headwater streams near Geneva Marsh preconstruction of tire burning facility in Crawford County Pennsylvania. Report to Crawford Area Residents for the Environment.
Funded and in Review Research Grants and Fellowships (Lead Investigator)
- Colorado Mountain Club Foundation Jim Geher Fellowship. (2019), $1000.
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Graduate Student Fellowship. (2019), $1050.
- NSF-GRIP Opportunity, “Quantifying the Terrestrial Flux of Phosphorus to Aquatic Systems in Rocky Mountain Ecosystems”. (2018), $5000.
- Colorado Mountain Club Foundation Al Ossinger Fellowship. (2018), $2000.
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Graduate Student Fellowship. (2018), $920.
- Southeast Climate Science Center Fellowship. (Jan 2018 – July 2018), $15,563.
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Graduate Student Fellowship. (2017), $870.
- Colorado Mountain Club Foundation Fellowship. (2017), $2000.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. (2017-2022), $138,000.
- Southeast Climate Science Center Fellowship. (2016-2017), $24,000. Declined.
- NCSU Provost Fellowship. (2016-2017), $32,000.
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Beckman Scholar Fellowship. (2014-2016), $19,300.
Contributions to Research Grants
- Co-PI on NSF-RAPID grant 2153274: “Does a range shifting species alter ecosystem function phenology?”, September 2021. My funding as a Co-PI is $37,202, award total is $169,640. Lead PI: Amanda J. Klemmer. Funded.
- Co-wrote Supplemental Funding Request for postdoctoral supplement to “Consequences of Climate-Induced Range Shifts on Multiple Ecosystem Functions”, May 2021. $60,380. PI: Brad W. Taylor. Funded.
- REU supplemental to “Consequences of Climate-Induced Range Shifts on Multiple Ecosystem Functions”, May 2018. $9.965. PI: Brad W. Taylor. Funded.
- REU supplemental to “Consequences of Climate-Induced Range Shifts on Multiple Ecosystem Functions”, May 2017. $11,479. PI: Brad W. Taylor. Funded.
- ‘Impact of Shifts in Stream Flow Phenology on Stream Nutrient Dynamics of Headwater Streams’. Proposal submitted to USGS104g, February 2017. $244,000. PI: Brad W. Taylor. Co-PI’s: Rob Runkel, Annika Walters. Not funded, Resubmitted 2018.
Professional Appointments
- Principal Investigator and NSF Postdoctoral Scholar, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (October 2021-September 2022, funded by NSF RAPID 2153274).
- NSF Postdoctoral Scholar: North Carolina State University (August 2021-present), Advisor: Dr. Brad Taylor (NCSU)
- NSF Graduate Research Fellow: North Carolina State University (August 2018-2021), Advisor: Dr. Brad Taylor (NCSU)
- Southeast Climate Science Center Global Change Fellow: North Carolina State University (January 2018-July 2018), Advisor: Dr. Brad Taylor (NCSU)
- Graduate Research Assistant: North Carolina State University (August 2017-December 2017), Advisor: Dr. Brad Taylor (NCSU)
- Graduate Provost Fellow: North Carolina State University (August 2016-July 2017) Advisor: Dr. Brad Taylor (NCSU)
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Beckman Scholar: ‘Effects of Species Replacement on Ecosystem Processes in Montane and Sub-Alpine Ponds’ (September 2014 – May 2016), Advisor: Dr. Scott Wissinger (Allegheny College, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory)
Teaching Experience
- Guest Lecture, NC State University, Instructor: Dr. Brad Taylor: Freshwater Ecology (4/9/2020) – Undergraduate course, topic: Wetland Ecology
- Guest Lecture, NC State University, Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Irwin: Foundations of Ecology (4/14/2020) – Graduate course, topic: Ecological Stoichiometry
- Lab Instructor & Teaching Assistant, NC State University. Instructor: Dr. Brad Taylor: Freshwater Ecology (Spring 2020) – Undergraduate and Graduate Course.
- Guest Lecture, NC State University, Instructor: Dr. Alonso Ramirez: Ecology (4/5/2019) – Undergraduate course, topic: Nutrient Cycling
- Guest Lecture, NC State University, Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Irwin: Foundations of Ecology (2/25/2019) – Graduate course, topic: Ecological Succession
- Guest Lecture, NC State University, Instructor: Dr. Katherine Martin: Water and the Environment (2/28/2017) – Undergraduate course, topic: Animal-driven nutrient cycles in ponds
- Teaching Assistant, Allegheny College, Instructor: Dr. Scott Wissinger: Wetland Ecology (Fall 2015), Freshman Seminar: Ecology & Conservation of French Creek Watershed (Fall 2015), and Junior Seminar: Aquatic Ecology (Spring 2016). Responsible for coordinating and co-leading lab field trips, provided writing feedback to students on assignments (extensive writing feedback in freshman and junior seminars).
- Teaching Assistant, Allegheny College, Instructor: Dr. Casey Wilson: Stream Ecology (Spring 2015 and 2016). Responsible for coordinating and co-leading lab field trips, contacting local landowners for access permissions, hosting pre-exam Q&A sessions, and providing feedback on students writing assignments.
Conference Presentations and Invited Seminars (First Author)
- Balik, J.A. From animals to ecosystem processes: predicting functional outcomes of climate-driven changes in animal communities through species traits. Invited in-person seminar in RMBL Hybrid Seminar Series, 21 June 2022, Gothic CO. Recording will be posted here.
- Balik, J.A., West, D.C., Taylor, B.W. High-discharge disturbance event does not alter seasonal trajectory of nutrient uptake in a montane stream. Water Resources Mini-Symposium, January 2020, Raleigh, NC.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor. An experimental test of how climate-driven changes in stream temperature, light, and nutrient availability modulate biofilms and nutrient dynamics. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2019, Salt Lake, UT.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor. An experimental test of how climate-driven changes in stream temperature, light, and nutrient availability modulate biofilms and nutrient dynamics. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Graduate Seminar Series, July 2019, Gothic CO.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor. An experimental test of climate driven changes in stream temperature, light, and nutrient availability on biofilms and nutrient dynamics. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2019, Salt Lake City, UT.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor. An experimental test of climate driven changes in stream temperature, light, and nutrient availability on biofilms and nutrient dynamics. Invited seminar NC State University Graduate School Research Symposium, March 2019, Raleigh NC.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor, S. E. Washko, S. A. Wissinger. High interspecific variation in nutrient excretion within a guild of closely related caddisfly species. Invited seminar for Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Summer Seminar Series, June 2018, Gothic CO.
- Balik, J. A., B. W. Taylor, S. E. Washko, S. A. Wissinger. High interspecific variation in nutrient excretion within a guild of closely related caddisfly species. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2018, Detroit, MI.
- Balik, J.A., S.E. Washko, B.W. Taylor, S.A. Wissinger. Using species-specific rates of nutrient regeneration by detritivores to predict how distributional shifts related to climate change affect ecosystem function. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Graduate Student Symposium, July 2016, Gothic CO.
- Balik, J.A., S.E. Washko, B.W. Taylor, S.A. Wissinger. Using species-specific rates of nutrient regeneration by detritivores to predict how distributional shifts related to climate change affect ecosystem function. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2016, Sacramento CA.
- Balik, J.A., S.E. Washko, S.A. Wissinger. Effects of climate-induced distributional shifts in caddisfly larvae on detritus processing and ecosystem function in high-elevation ponds and wetlands. Sigma Xi Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference, April 2016, Erie PA.
- Balik, J.A., S.A. Wissinger. Effects of climate-induced distributional shifts in caddisfly larvae on detritus processing and ecosystem function in high-elevation ponds and wetlands. Allegheny College Research Symposium, October 2015, Meadville PA.
- Balik, J.A., S.A. Wissinger. Effects of Climate-induced distributional shifts in caddisfly larvae on detritus processing and ecosystem function in high-elevation ponds and wetlands. Arnold and Mabel Beckman Symposium, August 2015, Irvine, CA.
- Balik, J.A., S.A. Wissinger, S.A., S. Washko, H. Greig, and B.W. Taylor. Effects of climate-induced distributional shifts in detritivorous caddisfly larvae on nutrient regeneration in high elevation ponds and wetlands. 100th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, August 2015, Baltimore, MD.
- Balik, J.A., S.A. Wissinger. Effects of Climate-Change Induced Shifts in Caddisfly Distributions on Ecosystem Function in High Elevation Ponds. Sigma Xi Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference, April 2015, Erie, PA.
- Balik, J.A., S.A. Wissinger. Effects of Climate-Change Induced Shifts in Caddisfly Distributions on Ecosystem Function in High Elevation Ponds. Allegheny College Research Symposium, October 2014, Meadville PA.
Conference Presentations as Co-Author
- West, D.C., J.A. Balik, B.W. Taylor. Seasonal progression of concentrations and uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in a Rocky Mountain stream. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2018, Detroit, MI.
- Wissinger, S.A, J.A. Balik, B.W. Taylor, H.S. Greig, A.G. DelVecchia, I. Shepard Elevational range shifts in alpine aquatic invertebrates and consequences for ecosystem function. Entomological Society of America National Meeting, Nov. 2017, Denver, CO.
- Wissinger, S.A, J.A. Balik, S. Washko, H. Greig, and B.W. Taylor. Predicting how shifts in caddisfly distributions along hydroperiod and elevational gradients affect ecosystem processes in shallow high-elevation ponds. Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, May 2016, Sacramento, CA.
- Wissinger, S.A, S. Washko, H. Greig, J.A. Balik, and B.W. Taylor. Predicting effects of climate-change induced range shifts of caddisflies in high-elevation ponds on ecosystem processes. 100th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, August 2015, Baltimore, M.D.
Leadership and Service
Ecology & Evolution Seminar Series Coordinator, 2018-2019;
NCSU Graduate Student Association for Biology (GSAB)
Coordinated and led identification, invitation, scheduling, and hosting of seminar speakers for the Ecology & Evolution Seminar Series. The series included seven speakers per semester, totaling fourteen per academic year. For example, speakers for fall 2018 included Drs. Amy Rosemond (UGA), Scott Edwards (Harvard), Jason Munshi-South (Fordham), Joel Kingsolver (UNC), Stephanie Kamel (UNC), and Erika Zavaleta (UC Santa Cruz). Speakers for spring 2019 include Debra Bangasser (Temple), Joshua Grinath (Middle Tennessee State), Tom Smith (UCLA), Tracey Bale (U Maryland), Daniel Schindler (U Washington), and Luke Remage-Healey (UM Amherst).
North Carolina State University Department of Applied Ecology
Organized departmental recruitment weekend events including a poster session and social elements in spring 2018 and 2019. Routinely participated in faculty candidate interviews by attending candidate seminars and interacting with candidates during graduate student lunches and group meetings. Served as Graduate Representative on Environmental Health & Risk Assessment Faculty Search. In this role, I mustered graduate student attendance at candidate interview seminars and facilitated additional opportunities for graduate students to interact with candidates during lunches. In turn, I collated and shared graduate student feedback on each candidate at faculty meetings.
Allegheny College Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
Treasurer (2013-2014)
President (2014-2016)
I facilitated campus-wide discussions about fracking and divestment, worked with administration and English department faculty to organize the addition of a “Literary Nature Walk” to the College's “Green Tour”, and planned numerous events for the campus community, including creek cleanups, an annual Local Foods Dinner, campus-wide energy challenges, and numerous workshops and discussions to promote themes including sustainability, recycling, gardening, environmental advocacy, and social justice. Additionally, I hosted monthly themed potlucks open to campus community, coordinated and lead student trips to national protests and conferences, including Keystone XL, People's Climate March, and Powershift, and brought speakers to campus, including Josh Fox, The Beehive Collective, several 350.org representatives, and The Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
Awards and Honors
- NCSU 2022 College of Agriculture and Life Science Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizes excellence and the achievements of former students in their careers and communities.
- NEON Early Career Scholar award, 2020 - $1500 (travel award for and professional development program hosted at 2020 SFS-ASLO joint meeting. Travel funds were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but fortunately professional development activities were transitioned to remote workshops.)
- NCSU Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate travel award, 2020 - $1300 (Awarded but funds canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Option to re-apply with revised budget for future meeting.)
- NCSU Graduate Student Association Travel Assistance Award, 2018 – $500
- NCSU Applied Ecology Research Award, 2018 – Honorable Mention
- SFS General Award, SFS National Conference 2016 – $1000
- Allegheny College Environmental Science Department Faculty Award, 2016 (Honors the most outstanding senior student)
- Allegheny College Biology Department Robert E. Bugbee Award, 2016 (Honors senior student in biology who has demonstrated the most profound level of scientific achievement)
- Best Poster in Environmental Biology, Sigma Xi Erie Regional Conference 2016
- ESA Natural History Section Student Award (Best Poster Presentation), ESA National Conference 2015 – $300
- ESA-RUI Travel Award, ESA National Conference 2015 – $300
- Best Poster in Environmental Biology, Sigma Xi Erie Regional Conference 2015
- Nominated for Barry Goldwater Scholarship (2015)
- Nominated for Udall Scholarship (2014, 2015)
- Allegheny College Trustee Scholarship (Merit Award) – $20,000
- Allegheny College Alden Scholar (Dean's List) 2012-Present
Certifications
- Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement (WISCIENCE) Postdoctoral Research Mentor Training. Intensive 8-hour workshop on improving mentoring skills through aligning expectations, maintaining effective communication, assessing mentee understanding, enhancing cultural awareness, addressing equity and inclusion, cultivating ethical behavior, fostering independence, and promoting mentee self-efficacy. May 2021.
Professional Societies
- Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) 2016-Present
- Ecological Society of America (ESA) 2015-Present