Research Ecologist
Department: Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
University System: USGS - West Glacier
Professional Summary:
I am a Research Aquatic Ecologist for the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center in Glacier National Park and Research Associate Professor at The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station. My general research interests encompass the fields of aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, and conservation biology. My research goal is to develop an integrated understanding of the spatiotemporal links between physical and biological processes influencing the distribution, abundance, genetic diversity, and adaptive potential of aquatic biota to inform conservation and management programs for aquatic ecosystems. My applied research focuses on assessing the threats of invasive species, habitat destruction, and climate change on native species in one of the most diverse and intact aquatic ecosystems in North America - the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains of the USA and Canada. My published research spans a range of questions and conservation issues from examining the fitness and ecological impacts of hybridization and competition between native and non-native salmonids, assessing life history diversity and genetic population structure of native fishes, investigating the impacts of hydroelectric dams and barriers on aquatic invertebrates and entire ecosystems, assessing the potential impacts of climate warming on aquatic ecosystems, to developing quantitative models (e.g., bioenergetics, habitat, landscape connectivity, and population viability) for aquatic communities. I particularly enjoy advising and educating graduate students working on various aspects of aquatic systems and ecology. I enjoy collaboration and multidisciplinary research, and I am currently active in several regional, national, and international science teams that address natural resource issues. My goal and hope is that the ecological integrity of our watersheds will be preserved for future generations through research-informed management and education.