Andy Lara, B.S.

Senior Biological Technician

B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

 

Portland, Oregon

Andy is an Aquatic Ecologist with a variety of experience in population and community ecology, and freshwater conservation, ranging from the bayous of East Texas to the glacial rivers of Washington State’s North Cascades. Andy is skilled in multiple field sampling techniques, including backpack electrofishing, seine netting, hoop net trapping, eDNA collection, and various tagging techniques such as PIT tagging, Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE), and VHF transmitters for radio telemetry. He also has experience in technical laboratory methods, including stable isotope analysis, taxonomic identification and morphological measurements of aquatic species, and stomach content analysis. His previous research includes the study of taxonomic and functional diversity of freshwater fishes in East Texas, the investigation of connectivity and spatial distribution among different habitat types, the repatriation and tracking, via radio telemetry, of poached alligator snapping turtles into East Texas watersheds, as well as occupancy trapping for existing turtle populations. Recently, Andy participated in backcountry electrofishing and habitat survey expeditions to examine the existing salmonid populations in Northern Washington, and on a mark-and-recapture study utilizing electrofishing and PIT tagging of remote populations of O. mykiss in Southern California’s Piru Creek. Andy is also skilled in data analysis of community structures and dynamics, and population genetics. Through other work, He is also well-versed in public relations, civic engagement, and outreach focused on diversity, inclusion, and equity.