Scientists enjoy honey fresh from the hive at ERC.

The Ecology Research Center (ERC) is the focal point for ecological field research at Miami University and provides a venue for educational opportunities for middle, high school, and university students. This 69-hectare field station contains a diversity of field sites and facilities that support both aquatic and terrestrial research. In addition the ERC provides the tools and equipment needed to maintain field plots and the ERC staff are available to provide advice and assistance in the design and fabrication of research apparatuses and sampling devices.

The ERC is home to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and DOE (US Department of Energy) meteorological station. In addition to collecting data on precipitation quality (since 1979), the station also monitors:

• dry deposition quality
• lightning frequency
• spatial and temporal fluctuations in solar radiation

Faculty and Staff

Staff consists of a director and manager who regularly report to the ERC Policy Committee, which includes members from 7 different Miami University departments.

Ann Rypstra
ERC Director & Distinguished Professor of Biology
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-5634

Dozens of faculty have conducted research at the ERC over the years.