Nathaniel (Than) Hitt, PhD
Dr. Nathaniel (Than) P. Hitt is a Research Fish Biologist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia
He holds a B.A. in Biology from the College of Wooster, an M.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech. Dr. Hitt’s research investigates freshwater fish ecology from a landscape perspective, focusing on stream ecosystems in the Appalachian highlands. His research includes:
- Modeling fish habitat and population/community responses to environmental change
- Forecasting effects of climate change for fish habitat in headwater streams
- Effects of stream flow and temperature on fish population dynamics
- Optimizing conservation and restoration planning for native fishes
Professional Experience
2009-present: Research Fish Biologist, US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center
2015-present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University
2008-2009: Postdoctoral Researcher, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center
2007-2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
2007-2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
1999-2002: Graduate Research Assistant, University of Montana, Division of Biological Sciences
Education and Certifications
2007 PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
2002 MS, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, Division of Biological Sciences, Organismal Biology and Ecology
1996 BA, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH Biology, Honors
Science and Products
USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout
The Past as a Prelude to the Future: Assessing Climate Effects on Native Trout in the U.S.
Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature
Stream temperature and sculpin growth data collected from Catoctin Mountain Park in 2019
Video data for trout abundance estimation
Brook trout movement data related to cover and forage in an experimental stream system with associated water quality parameters
Seismic data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Water and air temperature data from Shenandoah Valley streams, Virginia (2017)
Stream fish species abundance and associated physical habitat data in Catoctin Mountain Park (2015-2016)
Temperature data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Air-water temperature data for the study of groundwater influence on stream thermal regimes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (ver. 2.0, May 3, 2018)
Heed the data gap: Guidelines for using incomplete datasets in annual stream temperature analyses
Modeling occupancy of rare stream fish species in the upper Cumberland and Kentucky River Basins
Comparison of underwater video with electrofishing and dive‐counts for stream fish abundance estimation
Paired air-water annual temperature patterns reveal hydrogeological controls on stream thermal regimes at watershed to continental scales
Spatial and temporal trends in Potomac River fish abundance linked to species traits
Distribution and status of trout and char in North America
Individual behaviour and resource use of thermally stressed brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis portend the conservation potential of thermal refugia
An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America
State-space analysis of power to detect regional brook trout population trends over time
Inferring watershed hydraulics and cold-water habitat persistence using multi-year air and stream temperature signals
Forecasting stream habitat and Brook Trout responses to climate change in Catoctin Mountain Park
Landform features and seasonal precipitation predict shallow groundwater influence on temperature in headwater streams
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout
The Past as a Prelude to the Future: Assessing Climate Effects on Native Trout in the U.S.
Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature
Stream temperature and sculpin growth data collected from Catoctin Mountain Park in 2019
Video data for trout abundance estimation
Brook trout movement data related to cover and forage in an experimental stream system with associated water quality parameters
Seismic data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Water and air temperature data from Shenandoah Valley streams, Virginia (2017)
Stream fish species abundance and associated physical habitat data in Catoctin Mountain Park (2015-2016)
Temperature data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Air-water temperature data for the study of groundwater influence on stream thermal regimes in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (ver. 2.0, May 3, 2018)
Heed the data gap: Guidelines for using incomplete datasets in annual stream temperature analyses
Modeling occupancy of rare stream fish species in the upper Cumberland and Kentucky River Basins
Comparison of underwater video with electrofishing and dive‐counts for stream fish abundance estimation
Paired air-water annual temperature patterns reveal hydrogeological controls on stream thermal regimes at watershed to continental scales
Spatial and temporal trends in Potomac River fish abundance linked to species traits
Distribution and status of trout and char in North America
Individual behaviour and resource use of thermally stressed brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis portend the conservation potential of thermal refugia
An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America
State-space analysis of power to detect regional brook trout population trends over time
Inferring watershed hydraulics and cold-water habitat persistence using multi-year air and stream temperature signals
Forecasting stream habitat and Brook Trout responses to climate change in Catoctin Mountain Park
Landform features and seasonal precipitation predict shallow groundwater influence on temperature in headwater streams
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.