Nimish Vyas, Ph.D.
Dr. Nimish B. Vyas is research biologist at the USGS Ecological Science Center, Laurel MD
I am a research biologist driven by my interest in avian conservation. My research focuses primarily on identifying and addressing threats to birds and their environments that arise from human ignorance and arrogance. My current work falls under ecotoxicology, pollinators, and invasive species research categories but my interests also encompass a myriad of other anthropogenic hazards to birds (for example, energy development, light pollution, avian trafficking and poaching, and illegal killings). Much of my research produces publications with real-world applicability. These publications have the unique property of direct implementation for avian conservation in the field. My publications have been used by natural resource managers, policy regulators, wildlife law enforcement agents, and U.S. Attorneys. Since 1996, I have served as an instructor for the annually offered, one week-long US Fish and Wildlife Services training course entitled Pesticides and Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Professional Experience
Research Biologist 1992-current, USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge
Instructor 1995- current, US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center course 'Pesticides and Fish and Wildlife Resources'.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA. 1998-2000.
Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Poultry Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA. 1996- 1998
Co-professor for an undergraduate/graduate course, Ornithology, University of Maryland. 1994 and 1996.
Biologist 1989-1992, US Environmental Protection Agency.
Advised 3 MS thesis students and have participated as a graduate committee member for 1 MS and 3 PhD students.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 1992, University of Maryland
B.S. 1986, University of Maryland
Abstracts and Presentations
Vyas, N. B., Spann, J. W., Hulse, C. S., and Patterson, D., 2007, Residues on raptor feet and the Bald and Golden Eagle Act: Environmental Forensics: A new frontier, April 16-18, 2007, Bournemouth University, Dorset, United Kingdom C8
Vyas, N. B., Kuncir, F., Clinton, C., 2013, Field guide to documenting wildlife poisonings at Rozol-treated black-tailed prairie dog colonies. South Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society, annual meeting. February 25-27, 2013, Oacoma, South Dakota.
Vyas, N. B., Guenther, A., Plunkett, A. D., 2019. Does atmospheric ozone disrupt pollination? U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, October 31, 2019, Rockville, Maryland.
Vyas, N. B., Aunins, A. W., Morrison, C. L., 2024, Assessment of the range-wide status and genomic structure of the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus centaureae wyandot), 79th Annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference, April 21 – April 24, 2024, Hyannis, Massachusetts
Vyas, N. B., Steiding, J., Oakley, D. Jr., McManus, A., Kent, D., Sorenson, J., Towler, B., Molongoski, K., 2024, Preventing Bird Drownings at the Mashpee Fish Ladder, 79th Annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference, April 21 – April 24, 2024, Hyannis, Massachusetts.
Vyas, N.B., 2022, Documenting pesticide incidents for birds on Tribal and Nation lands. 2024 Pesticide Workshop hosted by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the US Environmental Protection Agency September 18 - 19, 2024
Vyas, N.B., 2024, Biases in evidence collection during carcass searches Biology Department at the University of South Dakota, August 23, 2024, Vermillion, South Dakota.
Balmer, B.C., Schwarz, M.S., Binkowski, L.J., King, W.L., Rouse, D., and Vyas, N.B. 2024. Determining Pre-disaster Avian Carcass Detection and Persistence Rates in Freshwater
Riparian Habitats: A Case Study for the Yellowstone River Basin. States Natural Resource Damages Alliance Meeting, September 23-26, 2024, Missoula, Montana.