Nicole D Hernandez
Nicole is a biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center focused on Chronic Wasting Disease.
Nicole currently serves as the Assistant Coordinator for Cervid Health, where she supports national initiatives related to Chronic Wasting Disease. She earned her master’s degree in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida, and has conducted research in the southeastern US, Central America, and the Rocky Mountain region. Nicole joined the Fort Collins Science Center in 2022, initially focusing on outreach and science communication for a national project aimed at early detection and rapid response to invasive species. Her previous experiences encompass extensive involvement in long-term ecological monitoring projects and population health studies across different taxa, including frogs, small mammals, cervids, and crocodilians. Nicole's professional interests are rooted in conservation biology, ecosystem restoration, disease research, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
Professional Experience
2022 – Present: Biologist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO
2018 – 2022: Wildlife Biologist, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL
2017: Student Contractor, USGS National Wetlands Research Center, Lafayette, LA
Education and Certifications
M.S. Forest Resources and Conservation with a concentration in Geomatics, University of Florida, 2022
Graduate Certificate, Geospatial Analysis, University of Florida, 2022
B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 2017
Affiliations and Memberships*
IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) Member
Science and Products
Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis
America's most wanted fishes: Cataloging risk assessments to prioritize invasive species for management action America's most wanted fishes: Cataloging risk assessments to prioritize invasive species for management action
Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana
Siren: The National Early Detection and Rapid Response Information System
Science and Products
Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis
America's most wanted fishes: Cataloging risk assessments to prioritize invasive species for management action America's most wanted fishes: Cataloging risk assessments to prioritize invasive species for management action
Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana
Siren: The National Early Detection and Rapid Response Information System
*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