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Most of the world’s waterbodies are small enough to be considered ponds: over 95% of waterbodies are estimated to be less than 0.1 km2 (10 ha) in size. Yet, most research overlooks these small waterbodies; paradigms for lake ecosystem ecology largely come from larger, deeper temperate lakes. This presentation will describe research to uncover how pond ecosystems operate and how they differ from lakes. Specifically, Dr. Holgerson will present her lab’s research on pond greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and how plants and animals mediate aquatic carbon cycles. Ultimately, the study of pond ecosystems broadens our view of limnology and has importance at both local and global scales.