Dr. Nierzwicki-Bauer is internationally known for her research on molecular studies of microbial communities in lakes and rivers, studies of invasive species and expertise in water resource management.  Nierzwicki-Bauer, together with colleagues, pioneered the development and application of molecular approaches for tracking, detecting and quantifying invertebrate larvae including zebra and quagga mussels. For over twenty years she has carried out applied studies that deal with management of aquatic invasives once they have been introduced into freshwater bodies, as well as proactive monitoring/detection strategies to help prevent colonization. Recently, Nierzwicki-Bauer together with an international team of collaborators are developing genetic tools for free-living and symbiotic cyanobacteria.

The Nierzwicki-Bauer lab focuses on three distinct areas of research: 

(1) Molecular studies of microbial and picoeukaryote communities in lakes and rivers. 

The biodiversity of freshwater microbial and picoeukaryotes is still understudied (compared with marine environments) with many more organisms to be discovered. We are using molecular approaches, as well as more traditional culturing and microscopic methodologies to elucidate the structure and function of community composition in Adirondack lakes, some of which have been impacted by acid rain or other pollutants. 

(2) Basic and applied studies of invasive species (zebra mussels). 

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have significant economic and ecological impacts. We are carrying out basic studies on zebra mussels which include; development of molecular probes for their early detection and bioassays for gaining a better understanding of chemical and physical factors that influence or can predict their survival. We are carrying out applied studies that deal with management of zebra mussels once they have been introduced into freshwater bodies, as well as proactive monitoring/detection strategies to help prevent colonization. 

(3) Water resource management and environmental remote sensing. 

We are using a combination of traditional and advanced techniques to study human impacts on water resources. The approaches that we are utilizing include automated water chemistry profiling systems, side-scan sonar, satellite remote sensing, solar powered autonomous underwater vehicles (SAUV’s) and hydroacoutics, to name a few.