Andrew K. Carlson, PhD

Andrew attended Princeton University, Michigan State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of Minnesota for his training in ecology and fisheries science. He joined the Florida Unit and the University of Florida in 2021 as an assistant unit leader and an assistant professor on the graduate faculty of the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The Carlson Lab develops ecological and social-ecological models and produces quantitative and qualitative tools to advance knowledge of fisheries as ecosystems, human systems, and coupled human and natural systems (CHANS). Research in the lab informs fisheries management and conservation while preparing students for professional success. From sport fish (e.g., Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish) to imperiled species (e.g., Gulf Sturgeon, Smalltooth Sawfish, Bluenose Shiner), the lab investigates fishes and their habitats to design strategies for sustaining fish production and biodiversity amid stressors such as land-use change, species invasion, and groundwater withdrawal. The lab also studies aquatic ecosystems, human systems, and CHANS in aquatic and terrestrial environments to design resource management approaches that integrate perspectives of diverse user groups. Andrew teaches courses in fisheries ecology and management, stream and river ecology, CHANS, and scientific communication.