the team

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 by 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.

Charlie Faude, MS Student - Water Resource Sciences

Charlie received her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and possesses substantial expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) gained through military service and an undergraduate minor. Her research interests include data analysis and conservation. Charlie's research as a graduate student will focus on recognizing traits of waterbodies resistant to invasions and susceptible to invasions to assist with horizon scanning. Outside the lab, she loves being immersed in nature, hunting, hiking, and spending quality time with loved ones.