Dr. Kurt Pontasch

Associate Professor

Dr. Kurt Pontasch
Phone
(319) 273-2098

Directory Contact

Dr. Kurt Pontasch

Associate Professor

 
Education
  • Ph.D. 1998 Zoology, VPI&SU, Blacksburg, Virginia.
  • Dissertation title: Multispecies Toxicity Tests Using Indigenous Organisms: Predicting the Effects of Hazardous Materials in Streams. Major Professor: Dr. John Cairns, Jr.
  • M.S. 1985. Entomology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.
  • Thesis title: Effects of a Catastrophic Gasoline Spill on the Benthic Communities of Wolf Lodge Creek, Idaho.
  • Major Professor: Dr. Merlyn A. Brusven.
  • B.S. 1983. Entomology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.
Teaching Interests

Ecotoxicology, Interests include the fate and effects of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, including stream microcosm toxicity tests using naturally occurring macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities, instream bioassessments of benthic community integrity, and the use of aquatic insect cholinesterase activities as potential biomarkers of organophosphorus pesticide contamination in streams.

Professional Accomplishments