As a graduate student at the Stream Ecology Center, Alex brings extensive experience and a deep passion for aquatic ecology to the American Fisheries Society. Alex’s research is focused on understanding fish and macroinvertebrate responses to fall ramp downs from Jackson Lake Dam in Wyoming, a crucial area of study for improving water management and ecosystem health.

Alex has lived and worked across much of the western United States, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. This diverse experience has enriched her understanding of various aquatic systems and strengthened her commitment to effective fisheries management and conservation. With a broad background in aquatic ecology, Alex’s experience includes macroinvertebrate biomonitoring, commercial fisheries, anadromous fisheries research, and assessing fish responses to habitat restoration. Her work has allowed her to mentor aspiring fisheries professionals, a role she continues to embrace with enthusiasm as the President of the Portneuf Subunit of the American Fisheries Society.

In her free time, Alex enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including backpacking, camping, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, and snowboarding, reflecting her love for nature and adventure.

Kaitie is an accomplished individual with a strong background in the natural resources field including fisheries research. She enjoys showing her commitment to this field and is excited to represent the Portneuf Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society as the Vice President. Currently, she is pursuing her graduate studies in the Baxter Stream Ecology lab at Idaho State University, focusing her thesis research on ecological and water issues in the Fort Hall Bottoms. Her collaboration with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Department of Fish and Wildlife highlights her dedication with community engagement and sustainable management of natural resources.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Kaitie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science in 2011 before working her way westward in the natural resources field. With the last nine years dedicated to hands-on experience in fisheries research, she is well-equipped and enthused to navigate the challenges of her graduate work. 

When Kaitie is not involved in her research or at her desk, you can find her baking at home and bringing treats to the lab, adventuring the outdoors with her husband and their corgi (Finn), or enjoying a relaxing float on a river or lake. Go Bills!

Lucas is an enthusiastic and driven graduate student at Idaho State University, where he serves as the Secretary of the Portneuf Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society. Beginning his journey in July 2024 under the guidance of Dr. Colden Baxter at the Stream Ecology Center, Lucas focuses his research on the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) within the Teton and Salt River watersheds. His research approach uniquely blends field ecology with social research, engaging water rights stakeholders to address sustainability concerns for native fish populations and their habitats.

Originally from Newport, Oregon, Lucas earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Fish and Wildlife from Oregon State University in Spring 2023. His hands-on experience includes various seasonal roles with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which have equipped him with valuable skills and insights into fish and wildlife management.

In addition to his academic interests, Lucas has a passion for fly fishing and never misses a chance to bring his fly rod on research trips, all while discovering the beautiful waters of Southeast Idaho. As a novice fly-tyer, he enjoys the intricate craftsmanship of creating flies as well. When not in the field, Lucas enjoys playing soccer and learning to play the electric guitar, showcasing his versatile interests both on and off the water.

Heather is an undergraduate student in her junior year, majoring in Earth and Environmental Science, minoring in Biology. She is excited to be serving as treasurer to increase undergraduate involvement in the Portneuf Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society. 

Originally from Alaska, Heather's passion for fisheries began during her time with Alaska Department of Fish and Game where she spent 2 years working on a chinook salmon tagging project on the Yukon River. This past summer she expanded her fisheries knowledge by conducting fieldwork looking for lamprey eels alongside the Knik Tribe in Alaska. In addition Heather has been working as a lab assistant in both the Stream Ecology Center and the Stable Isotope Laboratory. This coming year, she is looking forward to starting her undergraduate thesis project as a part of the Honors College, with plans to base her thesis on an ecological or fisheries topic in Idaho. 

Outside of research and academics, Heather serves as ISU climbing club president, and spends her free time hiking, skiing, and hanging out with family and friends.