Susan Washko

Susan Washko is a PhD candidate in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. As an aquatic ecologist in the desert, Susan works in remote rock pools known locally as ‘tinajas.’ She investigates the connection between the water permanence and the aquatic invertebrate biodiversity to aid conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Prior to her research in Arizona, Susan completed a master’s at Utah State University, a bachelor’s at Allegheny College, and researched at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado. Originally from Cleveland, Susan’s love of the Cuyahoga Valley inspired her to pursue freshwater ecology. She hopes to inspire the next generation of aquatic ecologists through her teaching and research.