MN: I grew up next to the beach in San Diego County, and my Dad had always pushed my family to be better stewards of the land and sea. We were constantly spending our time in the water whether that was lakes, rivers, or the ocean. I remember deciding I wanted to be a marine biologist at the age of six years old. That eventually evolved into an environmental science and aquatic biology degree. I began working as a field biologist in the Eastern Sierra in 2017. The Eastern Sierra provides such an extravagant and diverse landscape. In 2022, I was fortunate to pursue a career with CalTrout here in Mammoth Lakes and to pursue projects involving Sierra meadow restoration and Lahontan cutthroat trout restoration work. My career choice has taken me all over California for work, but working in Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra has always been my dream and at CalTrout this dream has become a reality.
MN: My favorite part of my job is my time spent in the field. When asked why I was pursuing a degree in aquatic biology it was a simple answer because I love to be outdoors and if I get to work outdoors it’s the best of both worlds. Field work displays an array of challenges that you have to think through because the last place with civilization may be a 20-mile hike and 2-hour drive away. You must stay flexible because things are always changing. Thinking on your toes and being able to adjust your work as weather and various changes arise. Mother nature doesn’t wait for anyone’s field work.
MN: I have been working in this field for nearly ten years and in my graduating class from college there were three women out of a class of 20 graduating with a degree in environmental science. I know this isn’t the case across all universities but even ten years ago there was a shortage of women entering this field. This has always inspired me to encourage the younger generations to pursue their passions of working in the outdoors and to show them what paths to take to better equip themselves. This also allows me to reflect on how each generation of women in STEM have fought for their positions and have paved the path for the next.
MN: I don’t think I can list out just one woman in history that has inspired me but better yet all of them throughout history. You always hear stories or watch a movie about women in science when women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts without their husband’s permission! I have looked to women in this field as mentors on how to navigate our careers in science.
MN: Take risks and pursue internships or job positions even if you feel you don’t have the appropriate number of qualifications. Ask as many questions as possible and reach out to potential mentors. Get outdoors and enjoy nature!
MN: Lahontan cutthroat trout!
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Thank you for your interest in the Eel River Forum! We looking forward to sharing meeting updates and other info from the Eel River watershed with you as they develop.
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Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! We looking forward to sharing project updates, news, and stories with you from the Big Chico Creek watershed as they develop.
Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! One of our staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
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Thank you for your interest in the Elk River! One of our North Coast Region staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. He is author or co-author of more than 240 publications, including the definitive Inland Fishes of California (2002). He is co-author of the 2017 book, Floodplains: Processes and Management for Ecosystem Services. His research interests include conservation of aquatic species, habitats, and ecosystems, including salmon; ecology of fishes of the San Francisco Estuary; ecology of California stream fishes; impact of introduced aquatic organisms; and use of floodplains by fish.
Robert Lusardi is the California Trout/UC Davis Wild and Coldwater Fish Researcher focused on establishing the basis for long-term science specific to California Trout’s wild and coldwater fish initiatives. His work bridges the widening gap between academic science and applied conservation policy, ensuring that rapidly developing science informs conservation projects throughout California. Dr. Lusardi resides at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and works closely with Dr. Peter Moyle on numerous projects to help inform California Trout conservation policy. His recent research interests include Coho salmon on the Shasta River, the ecology of volcanic spring-fed rivers, inland trout conservation and management, and policy implications of trap and haul programs for anadromous fishes in California.
Patrick Samuel is the Conservation Program Coordinator for California Trout, a position he has held for almost two years, where he coordinates special research projects for California Trout, including the State of the Salmonids report. Prior to joining CalTrout, he worked with the Fisheries Leadership & Sustainability Forum, a non-profit that supports the eight federal regional fishery management councils around the country. Patrick got his start in fisheries as an undergraduate intern with NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division in Sacramento, and in his first field job as a crew member of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wild and Heritage Trout Program.