Dr. Sandra M. Clinton is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology.  She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from McGill University, a Master's degree in Zoology from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington.  Dr. Clinton's research focuses on the ecology of freshwater water aquatic systems.  She has over a decade of research experience on a diversity of ecosystems including Boreal Shield lakes, desert streams, floodplain rivers, urban streams, and managed systems such as wastewater treatment facilities.  Dr. Clinton's current research is focused on understanding controls on stream microbial diversity and how changes in microbial community structure can explain variability in rates of nutrient cycling and energy flow.

As  Research Projects Director for the IDEAS Center, Dr. Clinton works to identify key scientific funding opportunities and facilitate collaborative research projects among the IDEAS Faculty Fellows.  Additionally, Dr. Clinton is part of the team investigating the use of brown grease for biofuel production and the development and feasibility of high performance monitoring of buildings.