I am a Senior Scientist for RGE-EDGE with the Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI).
My government tenure began in 1991 as a Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and has included Research Fish Biologist positions with NOAA-Fisheries and the U.S. Geological Survey. My research interests focused on aquatic systems, specifically how landscape characteristics and physical processes shape stream environments, aquatic organism (mussel and fish) ecology and predictive modeling, and aquatic biodiversity estimation and evaluation.
In my current role, I guide and conduct the Research Grade Evaluation and Equipment Development Grade Evaluation (RGE/EDGE) process, oversee the operation and development of the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program, coordinate the USGS Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Program, and serve as a member of the Fundamental Science Practice Advisory Committee (FSPAC) FSP Survey Manual Policy and Education and Outreach Subcommittees.
Professional Experience
2019- Senior Scientist for RGE/EDGE, US Geological Survey, Reston, VA
2016-2019 Staff Scientist, US Geological Survey, Reston, VA
2002-2016 Research Fish Biologist, US Geological Survey, Wellsboro, PA
1997-2002 Research Fish Biologist, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA
Education and Certifications
2014 Ph.D., Ecology, University of Maryland
1999 M.S., Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Massachusetts
1990 B.A., Biology (Math Minor), Ithaca College
Honors and Awards
2021 DOI Meritorious Service Award
2019 DOI Superior Service Award