Cory O Brant, PhD

I rely on a wide range of approaches and disciplines as a scientist, from field studies and scientific surveys to oral histories, social, and archival science. I'm passionate about learning from history to help solve current and future Great Lakes conservation problems. I'm also a biological illustrator and very much enjoy drawing nature.

One of my main projects at the USGS-GLSC involves a deep and systematic dive into archives and historical records to better understand where native coregonine fish populations once spawned, and where they spawn today, in the Great Lakes. I work with a team of experts in database development, archival theory, ecology, geospatial science, and both quantitative and qualitative methods for extracting data from historic sources. Together we hope to use the information we uncover to inform the science-based Coregonine Restoration Framework (CRF) for the Great Lakes that was developed by the USGS-GLSC and US Fish and Wildlife Service in coordination with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). I'm also working with a team to develop and implement a methodology to conduct a gap analysis for the Great Lakes CRF, which is part of several core planning phases of the framework. My work at USGS-GLSC also includes fish morphology research and early life history studies related to coregonines (mainly ciscoes and whitefish) in the Great Lakes. Most of my coregonine early life history research is focused on Lake Huron through my involvement with the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI), a binational effort to provide lake and fishery managers with valuable science and monitoring information. We are focused on collecting and examining larval fishes throughout the lake to better understand early life history recruitment constraints these ecologically and economically important fishes may face.

Professional Experience

2020 – Present: Fishery Biologist, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI.
2019 – 2020: Communications and policy specialist, Great Lakes Fishery Commission and USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI.
2015 - 2018: Postdoctoral fellow, Water Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Led Great Lakes basin-wide oral history project of those affected by sea lamprey invasion, and those charged with controlling sea lamprey.
2009 – 2015: Graduate student at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Led in-stream behavioral bioassays that helped discover new migratory and mating pheromones in sea lampreys.
2003 – 2008: Active member of the UW-Stevens Point student sub-unit of the American Fisheries Society, Stevens Point, WI.
2006 – 2008: Peer advisor for incoming natural resources majors, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI.
2007: Summer internship with Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources, Aitkin, MN. SCUBA diver for zebra mussel invasion study conducted in Mille Lacs Lake.

Education and Certifications

2018: Postdoctoral Fellowship. Aquatic invasive species policy, history, and control. University of Michigan Water Center, Ann Arbor, MI.
2015: Ph.D. Michigan State University, Li Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, East Lansing, MI.
2011: M.Sc. Michigan State University, Li Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, East Lansing, MI.
2008: B.Sc. Majors: Fisheries/Water Resources; Biology. Minor: Aquaculture. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI.