Dr. Peterson holds a doctoral degree in aquatic ecology from the University of Louisville, a master’s degree in aquatic ecology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and bachelor’s degree in fisheries science from the University of Arizona.
His research interests focus on the role of microalgae in the functioning of stream ecosystems. Recent projects have examined the importance of interactions between algal species and bacteria in mediating the process of denitrification in stream biofilms, and the potential ecological impact of commercially used nano-titania in streams.