Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2024-present)
Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2019-2024)
Postdoctoral Scholar, Mississppi State University (2017-2019)
Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Science, South Dakota State University (2017)
M.S., Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney (2012)
B.S., Water Resources and Fisheries, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (2009)
My research program exists at the threshold between community ecology and its direct applications to management and restoration. By testing ecological hypotheses, I generate knowledge about species, populations, and entire aquatic assemblages which can be applied to address stakeholder derived management objectives and assess conservation action alternatives.
I am primarily interested in the unique management challenges posed by river and stream systems, but also investigate the role of aquatic invasive species and movement behaviors on conservation effectiveness. I conduct research and develop conservation planning tools that are used to support decision making for diverse taxa.
I have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities to incorporate young scientists into my research program. These students have been responsible for research that has greatly improved our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the ecology of several aquatic taxa.
Opportunities are available for undergraduate research in the Applied Fish Ecology lab group right now.
Evan Sirianni (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Occurence patterns of sculpin species in southwestern Wisconsin
Avery Lettenberger (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Structured decison-making to inform the management of Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) in Nebraska
Max Monfort (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Monitoring Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) movements and beahviors in the Upper Mississippi River: An assessment of baiting strategies
Nate Schimanski (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Muskellunge escapement and habitat Uuse in an aging Wisconsin reservoir
Jadon Motquin (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) propagation using alternative feeding regimes
Erin Brino (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Making sense of the lamprey phylogeny: A comparative analysis of disjunct Southern Brook Lamprey populations in Wisconsin
Kristina Morben (MS), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Occurrence patterns, population status, and genetic variability of two native at-risk fish in the Black Hills of South Dakota
