Interactions between organisms and the environment are governed by chemistry. By focusing on the elemental building blocks of nature, Clay seeks to better understand how the availability of elements affects organismal ecology and evolution, and in turn, how biological processes shape the movement of elements throughout the world. He has a background working in lakes and streams, and since joining Geography and Environment, he has incorporated geographic concepts into this work focusing on the effects of atmospheric glacial dust deposition on lake ecosystems in southwestern Greenland.
Academic Career
- 2023-Current: Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Arkansas, US
- 2020-Current: Visiting Fellow in Physical Geography, Loughborough University, UK
- 2020-2023: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Oklahoma State University, US
- 2017-2020: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Loughborough University, UK
- 2016-2017: Research Associate, Trent University, CAN
- 2011-2016: Teaching/Research Assistant, Trent University, CAN
- 2008-2011: Teaching/Research Assistant, University of Arkansas- Fayetteville, US
- 2006-2007: Assistant Laboratory Coordinator, University of Arkansas- Fort Smith, US
Professional Responsibilities
- 2023-Current: Associate Editor, Environmental Geochemistry and Health
- 2022-Current: Associate Editor in Training Program, Inland Waters
- 2017-Current: Associate Editor, Ratios Matter Newsletter (ratiosmatter.org)
- International Arctic Science Committee (IASC): Terrestrial working group early career fellow (2018-2020) and secretary (2021-Current)
- Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH): International board member
- International Society of Limnology (SIL): Developing country mentor
- Higher Education Academy: Associate Fellow
Prizes and Awards
- 2018: Student Paper Award- SIL
- 2014-2016: Ontario Graduate Scholarship- Trent University
- 2011-2014: PhD Deans Scholarship- Trent University
- 2002-2006: Chancellors Leadership Council Scholarship- University of Arkansas- Fort Smith