Clay is a Biological Science Technician at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, National Fish Health Research Laboratory in Kearneysville, WV.
I previously worked as a biologist with the WV DNR, as well as the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute where I oversaw restoration and monitoring efforts for threatened and endangered freshwater species as well as conducted research on a variety of fisheries management topics. Additionally, I studied Southeast reservoir fish ecology and physiology as a graduate research assistant at Mississippi State University. I also completed a GIS internship with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning, as well as conducting research at The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute and USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station.
Professional Experience
August 2019-Current Employer: USGS - National Fish Health Research Lab Job Title: Research Technician
February 2018-August 2019 Employer: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Job Title: Fisheries Biologist
October 2017-January 2018 Employer: Critter Control Job Title: Wildlife Biologist
December 2015-October 2017 Employer: Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute Job Title: Reintroduction Biologist
June 2014-December 2015 Employer: Mississippi State University Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant
September 2013-January 2015 Employer: USDA Fruit Research Station Job Title: Biological Science Aid
September 2013-June 2014 Employer: The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute Job Title: Research Technician
Education and Certifications
2020-Current Degree: PhD, Fisheries Resource Management University: West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
2014-2017 Degree: MS Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Sciences University: Mississippi State University Starkville, MS
2008-2013 Degree: Honors BS, Biology-Ecological Science University: Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV
Affiliations and Memberships*
WV Chapter of the American Fisheries Society- Secretary/Treasurer
WV Health Science and Technology Academy- Research Coordinator
American Fisheries Society (AFS) – member
Early Career Professional Section- member
Marine Fisheries Subsection -member
AFS Fish Culture Subsection- member
AFS Fish Health Subsection -member
Science and Products
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government