Amy M. Soli, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
609-924-8821 Ext. 130
Education
Ph.D., Marine-Estuarine-Environmental-Science, 2000
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Humboldt Field Research Institute, Stueben, Maine (1997).
Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (September 1993- August 1994).
B.A., Biology, 1993
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
Professional Affiliations
Maryland Turfgrass Society
North American Benthological Society
Sigma Xi - The Scientific Honor Society
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Professional Experience
Omni Environmental LLC, Senior Scientist, 2007 - Present
TRC Omni Environmental Corporation, Senior Scientist, 2004 - 2007
Tetra Tech EM Inc., Senior Biologist, 2003 - 2004
Princeton Hydro, LLC Senior Aquatic Ecologist, 2001 - 2003
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Post-doctoral Researcher. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, 2000 - 2001
University of Maryland Graduate Research Assistant, 1997 - 1999
Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1994 - 1997
University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1993 - 1994
Dr. Soli has a broad background in the field of environmental science. She has almost ten years of experience in stream biomonitoring, surface water assessment, environmental assessments, and experimental design and protocol development.
Dr. Soli’s research focused on the impacts of golf course management practices on stream ecosystems. Her studies included the collection and identification of aquatic insects and analysis of their community composition using numerous bioassessment indices. Additionally, collection and analysis of water column and sediment samples for pesticides and fertilizers was completed to assess the movement of such chemicals into surface waters via runoff. Finally, in-situ and laboratory studies on leaf decomposition and consumption were completed to assess sub-lethal impacts of pesticides and fertilizers on aquatic insects.
Dr. Soli also has experience in the collection and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates from numerous freshwater and marine sites throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and analysis of community composition using bioassessment indices to determine trophic function and ecosystem health.
She is experienced in the collection and analysis of surface water samples for chemical and physical habitat analysis. Data on physical and chemical parameters is analyzed to assess the suitability of the habitat to support flora and fauna which are dependent on aquatic habitats. In addition, the data is studied to determine whether or not the system is impacted by point or non-point source pollution, and, if impacted, whether it can support its designated uses. Chemical and physical data is also used in conjunction with biological data to determine if biological communities are being impacted by contamination or primarily reflect local, natural environmental conditions.
Dr. Soli has completed a number of environmental assessments to address the potential impacts of development on resources of concern. These assessments are multi-disciplinary in nature and include analyses of natural and anthropogenic parameters. These studies address the impacts to flora and fauna, habitats (e.g. wetlands), resources (surface water, groundwater, and drinking water), and socio-economic conditions. Biological resources studied include rare, threatened, and endangered species as well as aquatic communities (fisheries and benthic organisms). Additionally, the soils, bedrock, and geology of the site are assessed to determine both their influence on the proposed development (e.g. suitability for septic systems) and the potential impacts of the development on these resources (e.g. removal of native soils, development on carbonate geology). These assessments also identify impacts that can be avoided through careful site planning and non-avoidable impacts. Appropriate minimization and mitigation measures are identified for impacts that cannot be avoided; such measures include site planning to minimize intrusion into important habitats (e.g. stream crossings), establishment of buffer zones, vegetation replacement of native species, and preparation of education materials.
Relatedly, Dr. Soli has experience in alternative analyses. Alternative analyses identify and analyze various project alternatives to eliminate those that are not feasible due to on-site conditions (e.g. shallow groundwater, karst topography, presence of wetlands) or economic constraints and to identify the preferred alternative. Alternative analyses, like environmental assessments, often require a multidisciplinary review of conditions of the site and its surroundings, and thus include a review of biological, habitat, and socio-economic resources, as well as an acknowledgment of local community and government needs and priorities.