Two samples from ExOPond fully processed! Now, we're getting more data that I'm eager to present when the analysis is complete.

There has been an unexpected development at ExOPond this week. The mesocosms are now freuqently visited by HUNDREDS of honeybees from a local hive. We still don't know the reason behind it, but it's interesting to have such a visible link between aquatic and terrestrial environments.

This week I managed to finish the phase of my sample analysis. Now, we're finally getting some interesting data from ExOPond.

Damselflies and dragonflies are now emerging from ExOPond.

A little bit late with this update, but last week I got the honor to help fellow PhD Georgina Mooney with an environmental assessment of a freshwater stream. I'm excited to see the outcome of her project, which looks very promising.

I have been occupied with lab work for the last few weeks, and I start to miss working outdoors. However, some interesting patterns have been noticed in my mesocosm samples, although further analysis is required to validate them.

You know that spring is here when things start swimming around again in the ponds. Sadly, they kept hiding everytime I approached, so you can't really seen anything in the photos. 😅 Maybe I'm more lucky next time.

I can now reveal that my ExOPond experiment at UCD is now wrapped. It's been quite a journey, but I guess everything comes to an end eventually. Stay tuned for more updates on my project.

Yesterday I attended IFSA's Annual Meeting at DCU here in Dublin. There were many interesting talks this year, including a few fun elevator pitches from UCD, TCD and DCU. I want to thank everyone that were involved with organising this, and I'm looking forward to next year's meeting.

Just one more month left, and I will conclude the current ExOPond experiment. It feels strange that it's nearly complete, as I spent months with this experiment. But it's also good to finally finish it, as I now can prepare for another experiment (more on that when it's actually up and running).

Time does really fly. Here's an example of how the mesocosm plants serve as an indicator of seasonal changes.

I had a great time at BESAG Annual Meeting this week in London. Got the opportunity to present my research, as well as hearing many interesting talks. Many thanks to BES Aquatic Group for organising this event, and to Zoological Society of London, London Zoo for hosting us. #BESAG 2025 #ZSL

Introducing our new pond mesocosms (aka ExOPond) @ucddublin.bsky.social and the first experiment by @isacbrander.bsky.social youtu.be/HrRQEVnMurU?...

Introducing ExOPond mesocosms

YouTube video by Marcin Penk

youtu.be

Some footage of a Daphnia cluster in one of my mesocosm ponds, provided by my supervisor, Marcin Penk.

Last week, the lab group collected the first batch of benthic traps from ExOPond. They were filled with lots of macroinvertebrates, including damselflies. In summary, a succesful first sampling. I'm grateful that most of our lab group managed to help me this week. Thanks guys! 🙂

Like everyone else in Dublin, I've been enjoying last week's weather. However, I'm also a little annoyed that I have to top up the ponds with extra water again already. 😅 It's only been a week since last time.

It's nice to see how far the ponds have matured. I have even some newly molted damselflies flying out from them. Almost feel bad that my experiment is going to involve a drought event. 😅

After months of work, I'm nearly done setting up ExOPond, a new freshwater mesocosm system at UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station. Some preperations remain for my upcoming experiment on resilience and food web manipulation, but I'm getting there.