the team

Dr. Nick Phelps

I am a Professor and Interim Head in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the Director of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota. I study emerging threats to aquatic systems at both the macro and microbial scales in the fields of fish health and aquatic invasive species (AIS), which lie at the intersection of animals, humans and the environment. This has led to many interdisciplinary collaborations in Minnesota and around the world on topics related to fish health, aquaculture, risk assessment, aquatic invasive species, diagnostic development and pathogen discovery, ecotoxicology, ecosystem health, and food safety. My educational background also spans disciplines and systems, including a BS in Aquatic Biology, an MS in Aquaculture/Fisheries, and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.

Email: phelp083@umn.edu

Angelique Dahlberg, PhD Student - Conservation Sciences

Angelique's research interests include invasive species, species responses to gradients, and freshwater ecology. Currently, she is part of a collaborative project investigating methods for suppressing zebra mussel populations in Minnesota lakes. Angelique received her BS is Biological Aspects of Conservation from the University of Wisconsin Madison, her MS in Integrated BioSciences from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and is now pursuing her PhD in Conservation Sciences from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In addition to research, Angelique loves to check out new hiking trails with her husband, raise awareness about chinchilla conservation, and catch (and eat) sunfish.

Kieran Smith, PhD Student - Conservation Sciencess

Kieran received his M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Florida Atlantic University where he developed a low-cost bycatch mitigation strategy to reduce shark mortality in commercial longline fishing. He has a 200 ton near coastal captain’s license and vast experience operating commercial sailing catamarans and research vessels. Returning to academia after 6 years in the aquaculture industry, Kieran’s research is focused on advancing technology to enable cryopreservation of aquatic embryos for fisheries conservation and aquaculture. When realized, successful cryopreservation of aquatic embryos will provide aquaculture and fisheries managers the ability to collect, catalog, and store increasingly valuable genetic resources from a multitude of species for supplementation or reintroduction. Kieran is pursuing a PhD in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology and co-advised by Dr. John Bischof in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Colby Johnson, MS Student – Conservation Sciences

Colby received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He aims to use his background in molecular biology to inform conservation technologies at the population level. His master’s project supports the development of genetic biocontrol systems for common carp by the Smanski Lab through their surrogacy in a more research-friendly species, the fathead minnow. He is also involved with the Bischof Lab’s efforts in germ line cryopreservation and aims to combine germ cell preservation with the concept of surrogacy to be able to retain lines of fish indefinitely and revive them when needed. He loves playing chess, running, and kayaking when he’s out of lab.

Molly Tilsen, MS Student - Water Resource Sciences (Co-advised with Dr. Amy Kinsley)

With a multidisciplinary background in ecology, evolution, behavior, and water resources, Molly combines her organizational skills with scientific training to develop innovative solutions for mitigating human-induced harm to water resources. As a graduate student, Molly actively contributes to cutting-edge research initiatives aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of aquatic invasive species. She embraces the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and society by effectively communicating scientific findings in accessible and engaging ways. Molly's dedication to creating meaningful connections between researchers, policymakers, and the general public enables her to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take active steps towards safeguarding our precious aquatic ecosystems. Outside of her work Molly enjoys stories in many formats (including podcasts, books, tv, and movies), she loves doing anything by water and taking dog walks, hikes, bike rides, paddling trips, and naps.

Laurel Sacco, PhD Student - Conservation Sciences

Originally hailing from rural Maine, Laurel’s career path has led her to live and work in various places around the U.S. and Canada. She obtained her BSc in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine and her MSc in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan. In her most recent positions in California and South Dakota, her work has focused on facilitating effective fisheries management. Laurel has returned as a PhD student to pursue a career in fish health. At the University of Minnesota, she is contributing to a collaborative project developing field-based molecular tools for the rapid detection of three invasive microbes. In addition to her research, she also values science education and communication and intends to tie outreach and teaching into her scientific work. In her free time, she enjoys reading and any activity exploring nature including hiking, canoeing, fishing, and gardening.

Dr. Grant Vagle, Research Associate (Co-mentored with Dr. Lynn Waterhouse)

After growing up in rural Minnesota, Grant attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and studied Mathematics and Biology. He combined those skillsets in his graduate school work at the University of Colorado studying biodiversity theory and patterns of rarity with elevation. Having returned to Minnesota, he now focuses his work on predictive modeling to support conservation of native biodiversity, which right now means studying both invasive and native aquatic species. Grant enjoys being outside, on land and in water, especially moving by foot, bike, paddle, or ski.

Jeremiah Shrovnal, PhD Student - Conservation Sciences (Co-advised with Dr. Lynn Waterhouse)

Jeremiah's research will focus on utilizing various modeling approaches to help inform native and invasive aquatic species management across Minnesota and Lake Superior. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jeremiah received his BS from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and his MS from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. When not working, he likes to ride his bicycle.

Dr. Marissa Milstein, Presidential Post-Doctoral Fellow 

Marissa is currently a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology in the Phelps Lab. Marissa is a wildlife research veterinarian studying pathogen transmission at the human-animal interface. She is co-PI of the Konashen Ecosystem Health Project. This project is a collaboration with the Waiwai, an Indigenous Amazonian community who owns and manages the Konashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA) in Guyana, South America. Through this long-term partnership, the team co-constructs research questions focusing on zoonotic disease, wild meat and food security, sustainable resource use, and vector-borne disease. Marissa also collaborates on wildlife health and food sovereignty research with the White Earth Nation's Natural Resources Office and MnPRO. Marissa received her DVM and PhD from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her dog, Miles.

Jared Langer, MS Student - Conservation Sciences (Co-advised with Dr. Amy Kinsley)

Jared Langer is a Master’s student in Conservation Sciences at the University of Minnesota and a Graduate Fellow at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. His research focuses on developing innovative strategies to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Minnesota. His current project uses motion-activated trail cameras to monitor watercraft traffic at public boat launches, aiming to better understand boater behavior and peak visitation patterns to inform AIS prevention efforts. Jared brings a strong background in aquatic ecology and environmental resource management, with prior experience as an Environmental Resource Specialist for Ramsey County, Minnesota, and as an Invasive Species Project Manager at PLM Lake & Land Management. He holds dual B.S. degrees in Environmental Studies and Aquatic Biology from Bemidji State University, with a minor in Wetland Ecology. Outside of research, Jared serves on multiple advisory committees, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Statewide AIS Advisory Committee, and is actively involved in local watershed and lake advocacy initiatives.

Liv Nyffeler, PhD Student - Conservation Sciences 

Liv is a PhD student whose research involves a whole-lake manipulation on a Minnesota Lake to investigate zebra mussel control methods. Her work supports the development and implementation of lake-specific management and monitoring plans, contributing to the advancement of future AIS management strategies. She earned her M.S. under Dr. Gretchen Hansen and Dr. Lynn Waterhouse, where she developed and refined methods to understand the factors influencing Cisco (Coregonus artedi) recruitment in Lake Superior. Originally from Madison, WI, Liv completed her B.S at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she worked with the Center for Limnology on walleye recruitment. Outside of research, Liv enjoys walking her two dogs, Atlas and Louie, teaching group fitness classes, and reading. 

Amanda Schuermann, PhD Student - Conservation Sciences (Co-advised with Dr. Gretchen Hansen)

Amanda is a PhD student and MAISRC Scholar in the Hansen and Phelps labs with a passion for aquatic invertebrate zoology and invasive species ecology. She graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology. She then studied benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in response to zebra mussel invasion as part of her M.S. in Biology from Bemidji State University in 2025. Her research now focuses on how aquatic invasive species (zebra mussels, mystery snails)  impact the presence of swimmer's itch in Minnesota lakes. When she isn’t in the lab or field, Amanda enjoys drawing, baking, and hanging out with her cat and snake! 

Paul Jeffery, MS Student - Water Resource Sciences (Co-advised with Dr. Lynn Waterhouse)