Denver Link

Photo of Denver Link
Research Scientist
He/him
Education

B.A. Environmental Studies and Biology, St. Olaf College 

M.S. Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota

Areas of Interest

Zebra mussels, aquatic ecosystems

Biography

Denver Link is a research scientist at the University of Minnesota, working alongside Dr. Gretchen Hansen to investigate the changing dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. He leverages both field-based research and quantitative skills to assess how environmental stressors impact freshwater habitats. Much of Denver's work has focused on understanding the ecological impacts of zebra mussels, exploring how these invasive species reshape aquatic food webs and influence fish mercury concentrations. He strives to ensure his research is approachable and applicable to those it serves.

Research

Fisheries Systems Ecology Lab

Select Publications

Link, D., Verhoeven, M. R., Wagner, T., Schliep, E. M., & Hansen, G. J. A. (2026). Fish tissue mercury concentrations increase following the invasion of zebra mussels. Fisheries, vuag050. https://doi.org/10.1093/fshmag/vuag050
 
Blinick, N. S., Link, D., Ahrenstorff, T. D., Bethke, B. J., Fleishman, A. B., Janssen, S. E., Krabbenhoft, D. P., Nelson, J. K. R., Rantala, H. M., Rude, C. L., & Hansen, G. J. A. (2024). Increased mercury concentrations in walleye and yellow perch in lakes invaded by zebra mussels. Science of The Total Environment, 957, 177515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177515