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
Shallow bedrock limits groundwater seepage-based headwater climate refugia
Brook trout use of thermal refugia and foraging habitat influenced by brown trout
Dermocystidium sp. infection in Blue Ridge Sculpin captured in Maryland
Threshold responses of Blackside Dace (Chrosomus cumberlandensis) and Kentucky Arrow Darter (Etheostoma spilotum) to stream conductivity
Seasonal temperature and precipitation regulate brook trout young-of-the-year abundance and population dynamics
Accounting for groundwater in stream fish thermal habitat responses to climate change
Seasonal weather patterns drive population vital rates and persistence in a stream fish
Threshold-dependent sample sizes for selenium assessment with stream fish tissue
Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from mountaintop mining
Synthesis and interpretation of surface-water quality and aquatic biota data collected in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 1979-2009
Differential expression profiles of microRNA in the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) associated with white nose syndrome affected and unaffected individuals
Dam removal increases American eel abundance in distant 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
Shallow bedrock limits groundwater seepage-based headwater climate refugia
Brook trout use of thermal refugia and foraging habitat influenced by brown trout
Dermocystidium sp. infection in Blue Ridge Sculpin captured in Maryland
Threshold responses of Blackside Dace (Chrosomus cumberlandensis) and Kentucky Arrow Darter (Etheostoma spilotum) to stream conductivity
Seasonal temperature and precipitation regulate brook trout young-of-the-year abundance and population dynamics
Accounting for groundwater in stream fish thermal habitat responses to climate change
Seasonal weather patterns drive population vital rates and persistence in a stream fish
Threshold-dependent sample sizes for selenium assessment with stream fish tissue
Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from mountaintop mining
Synthesis and interpretation of surface-water quality and aquatic biota data collected in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 1979-2009
Differential expression profiles of microRNA in the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) associated with white nose syndrome affected and unaffected individuals
Dam removal increases American eel abundance in distant 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.