Vice President, Director of Lab Services, Senior Molecular Biologist
B.S. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Phone: (916) 231-1687

 

West Sacramento, California

Gregg has two decades of experience applying molecular biological techniques in the fields of human pathogens, vaccine production, molecular ecology, fisheries genetics, and the detection of cryptic aquatic species by environmental DNA (eDNA). Gregg has led the effort within CFS to transfer relevant molecular biological and genetics technologies from the world of human pathogens to the study of fish ecology. Gregg leads the development of protocols and techniques for identifying and evaluating the distribution of cryptic, invasive, and listed or endangered aquatic species by eDNA.

Selected Publications

 

Blankenship, S., G. Schumer, J. Van Eenennaam, and Z. Jackson. 2017. Estimating number of white sturgeon adults from egg relatedness. Fisheries Management and Ecology 24(2):163-172.

 

Finger, A., G. Schumer, A. Benjamin, A. Schreier, and S. Blankenship. 2017. Effective population size of delta smelt. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Sciences.

 

Bergman, P., G. Schumer, S. Blankenship, and E. Campbell. 2016. Detection of adult green sturgeon using environmental DNA analysis. PLoS One 11:e0153500. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153500.

 

Schreier, B. M., M. R. Baerwald, J. L. Conrad, G. Schumer, and B. May. 2016. Examination of predation on early life stage delta smelt in the San Francisco estuary using DNA diet analysis. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145(4):723-733.

 

Brandl, S., G. Schumer, B. M. Schreier, J. L. Conrad, B. May, and M. R. Baerwald. 2015. Ten real-time PCR assays for detection of fish predation at the community level in the San Francisco Estuary-Delta. Molecular Ecology 15(2):278-284.

 

Baerwald, M. R., B. M. Schreier, G. Schumer, and B. May. 2012. Detection of threatened delta smelt in the gut contents of the invasive Mississippi silverside in the San Francisco Estuary using TaqMan Assays. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 141(6):1600-1607.

 

Hamelin, M. E., M. Baz, Y. Abed, C. Couture, P. Joubert, É. Beaulieu, N. Bellerose, M. Plante, C. Mallett, G. Schumer, G. P. Kobinger, and G. Boivin. 2010. Oseltamivir-resistant pandemic A/H1N1 virus is as virulent as its wild-type counterpart in mice and ferrets. PLoS Pathogens 6(7):e1001015. DOI:10.1371/journal.ppat.1001015

 

Baerwald, M. R., G. Schumer, B. M. Schreier, and B. May. 2011. TaqMan assays for the genetic identification of delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) and wakasagi smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis). Molecular Ecology Resources 11(5):784-785.

 

Blankenship, S., M. Teply, and G. Schumer. 2011. Sampling and analysis to assess brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population trends in High Lake (Oregon) using environmental DNA monitoring. Report to Burns Paiute Tribe.

 

Kobinger, G. P., H. Feldmann, Y. Zhi, G. P. Schumer, G. P. Gao, F. Feldmann, S. Jones, and J. M. Wilson. 2006. Chimpanzee adenovirus vaccine protects against Zaire Ebola virus. Journal of Virology 346(2):394-401.

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President, Principal Scientist, Adjunct Professor (UCSC)

B.S. Environmental and Systematic Biology; M.S. Biological Conservation; Ph.D. Conservation Ecology

Phone: (916) 250-2344

 

West Sacramento, California

Joe has more than 26 years of experience working for state, city, university, and public entities as a fisheries ecologist and performing studies and monitoring fish populations to protect and enhance their habitat. He has completed numerous assessments of habitat manipulation on aquatic resources, including habitat enhancement, flow manipulation, invasive species removal, and regulation implementation, particularly for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Joe has extensive experience with habitat typing and delineation with the use of GIS and aerial maps, has designed multi-million dollar projects to restore river channels and floodplains, and has trained numerous professionals in these techniques.

Selected Publications

 

Sturrock, A. M., S. M. Carlson, J. D. Wikert, T. Heyne, S. Nusslé, J. Merz, H. Sturrock, R. C.  Johnson. 2019. Un-natural selection of salmon life histories in a modified riverscape. Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14896

 

Harrison, L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. J. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river. Water Resources Research 55. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024428.

 

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Vice President, Operations

M.S. Management

Phone: (503) 420-7317

 

Portland, Oregon

 

Kyle has 30+ years of experience working with organizations driving profitability and fostering growth through strategic leadership, effective relationship building and change management initiatives. His background has spanned diverse industry sectors and has included the formulation and execution of strategic roadmaps, often in the face of challenging market conditions. For Kyle, improving the client experience through the optimization of internal operations, streamlined processes, business development and ensuring top-notch quality assurance, is a top priority.

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Selected Publications

 

 

Krall, M. P. Roni, C. Clark, and K. Ross. 2021. Effects of livestock exclusion on stream banks and riparian vegetation in Washington and Oregon. Northwest Science 95: 1-21.

 

Clark, C., P. Roni, J. Keeton, and G. Pess. 2020. Evaluation of the removal of impassible barriers on anadromous salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Fisheries Management and Ecology 27:102-110.

 

Roni, P., J. E. Hall, S. M. Drenner, and D. Arterburn. 2019. Monitoring the effectiveness of floodplain habitat restoration: A review of methods and recommendations for future monitoring. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water:e1355. 

 

Roni, P. 2019. Does river restoration increase fish abundance and survival or simply concentrate fish? The effects of project scale, location, and fish life history. Fisheries 44:7-19.

 

Roni, P., P. J. Anders, T. J. Beechie, and D. J. Kaplowe. 2018. Review of tools for identifying, planning, and implementing habitat restoration for Pacific salmon and steelhead. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 38(2):355-376.

 

Roni, P., Johnson, C., T. De Boer, T. and G. Pess. 2016. Interannual variability in the effects of physical habitat and parentage on Chinook salmon egg-to-fry survival. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 73:1-13.

 

Roni, P., T. Beechie, C. Jordan, and G. Pess. 2015. Basin scale monitoring of river restoration: recommendations from case studies in the Pacific Northwest USA. Pages 73–98 in N. Fisher, P. LeBlanc, C. A. Rose, and B. Sadler, editors. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 78, Bethesda, Maryland.

 

Roni, P., T. Beechie, G. Pess, and K. Hanson. 2015. Wood placement in river restoration: fact, fiction and future direction. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 72(3): 466-478.

 

Roni, P., and T. Beechie. 2013. Stream and watershed restoration: a guide to restoring riverine processes and habitats. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.

 

Roni, P., T. Bennett, R. Holland, G. Pess, K. Hanson, R. Moses, M. McHenry, W. Ehinger, and J. Walter. 2012. Factors affecting migration timing, growth and survival of juvenile coho salmon in two coastal Washington watersheds. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 141: 890-906.

 

Roni, P., G. Pess, S. T. Beechie and S. Morley. 2010. Estimating changes in coho salmon and steelhead abundance from watershed restoration: how much restoration is needed to measurably increase smolt production? North American Journal of Fisheries Management 30:1469-1484.

 

Roni, P., K. Hanson, and T. Beechie. 2008. Global review of physical and biological effectiveness of stream rehabilitation. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:856-890.

 

Roni, P. 2005. Monitoring stream and watershed restoration. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

 

Roni, P., T. J. Beechie, R. E., Bilby, F. E. Leonetti, M. M. Pollock, and G. P. Pess. 2002. A review of stream restoration techniques and a hierarchical strategy for prioritizing restoration in Pacific Northwest watersheds. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1-20.

 

Roni, P., and T. P. Quinn. 2001. Effects of artificial wood placement on movements of trout and juvenile coho salmon in natural and artificial channels. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 130:675-685.

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Selected Publications

 

Roni, P., J. E. Hall, S. M. Drenner, and D. Arterburn. 2019. Monitoring the effectiveness of floodplain habitat restoration: A review of methods and recommendations for future monitoring. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water:e1355.

 

Stefankiv, O., J. Hall, B. Timpane-Padgham, C. Nicol, C. Fogel, T. J. Beechie, and G. R. Pess. 2019. Salmon Habitat Status and Trends: Monitoring Protocols. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Processed Report NMFSNWFSC-PR-2019-03.

 

Stefankiv, O., T. J. Beechie, J. E. Hall, G. R. Pess, and B. Timpane-Padgham. 2019. Influences of valley form and land use on large river and floodplain habitats in Puget Sound. River Research and Applications 35:133-145.

 

Hall, J. E., C. M. Greene, O. Stefankiv, J. Anderson, B. Timpane-Padgham, T. J. Beechie, and G. R. Pess. 2018. Large river habitat complexity and productivity of Puget Sound Chinook salmon. PLoS One 13(11):e0205127.

 

Hall, J. E., T. P. Khangaonkar, C. A. Rice, J. Chamberlin, T. Zackey, F. Leonetti, M. Rustay, K. Fresh, A. Kagley, and M. Rowse. 2018. Characterization of annual salinity and temperature patterns in a large river delta to support tidal wetland habitat restoration efforts. Northwest Science 92(1):445-461.

 

Hall, J. E., P. Roni, T. Bennett, J. McMillan, K. Hanson, R. Moses, M. McHenry, G. Pess, and W. Ehinger. 2016. Life history diversity of steelhead in two coastal Washington watersheds. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145(5):990-1005.

 

Hall, J. E., M. M. Pollock, S. Hoh, C. Volk, J. Goldsmith, and C. E. Jordan. 2015. Evaluation of deep-planting and herbivore protection methods to restore riparian vegetation in a semiarid watershed without irrigation. Ecosphere 6(12):263.

 

Greene, C.M., J.E. Hall, and E. Beamer. 2012. Biological and physical effects of “fish-friendly” tide gates. ESRP/WA RCO, Olympia, WA.

 

Greene, C., C. Rice, L. Rhodes, K. Fresh, H. Daebenberger, B. Beckman, J. E. Hall, J. Chamberlin, P. McCollum, and S. Steltzner. 2012. Evaluating the ecological health of Puget Sound’s pelagic food web. US EPA National Estuaries Program, Washington, DC.

 

Greene, C. M., J. E. Hall, K. R. Guilbault, and T. P. Quinn. 2010. Improved viability of populations with diverse life-history portfolios. Biological Letters 6:382-386.

 

Hall, J. E., D. M. Holzer, and T. J. Beechie. 2007. Predicting floodplain locations and channel migration potential in the Columbia River. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 43(3):786-797.

 

Kiffney, P. M., C. Green, J. E. Hall and J. Davies. 2006. Tributary streams create spatial discontinuities in habitat, biological productivity and diversity in main stem rivers. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(11):2518-2530.

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R&D Program Manager

B.S. Ecology and Systematic Biology

Phone: (209) 353-2225

 

Ripon, California

Jesse has over 20 years of fisheries experience in the Central Valley and leads the CFS Research and Development Lab. He is responsible for coordinating field efforts and projects throughout the region. Jesse has over 16 years of experience designing, constructing, operating, and monitoring resistance board weirs in a wide variety of river environments throughout the world. He has extensive experience with a wide variety of field research techniques, environmental permitting, stormwater monitoring, and habitat restoration. Jesse is also an FAA certified commercial sUAS (drone) pilot.

Selected Publications

 

Anderson, J. T., G. Schumer, P. J. Anders, K. Horvath, and J. E. Merz. 2018. Confirmed observation: a North American green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris recorded in the Stanislaus River, California. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9(2):624-630.

 

Anderson, J. T., J. E. Merz, C. B. Watry, and M. K. Saiki. 2015. Comparison of selected population characteristics of adult Chinook salmon during upstream passage through a resistance board weir and during carcass surveys. California Fish and Game 101(1):24-39.

 

Anderson, J. T., D. Olsen, K. Sellheim, T. Hinkelman, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Juvenile salmonid out-migration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Biannual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

 

Anderson, J. T., C. B. Watry, and A. Gray. 2007. Upstream fish passage at a resistance board weir using infrared and digital technology in the lower Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, Grant No. 813326G004, Stockton, California.

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Science Operations Manager
B.S. Organismal Biology; M.S. Fisheries Biology
Phone: (916) 250-1705

 

West Sacramento, California

Jesse has nearly a decade of experience working in fisheries. His diverse background allows him to contribute to a variety of CFS projects spanning multiple biological disciplines. Jesse has served as the lead biologist on predation assessments, otolith microstructure studies, as well as numerous restoration monitoring projects to benefit salmonids. His analytical experience includes macroinvertebrate and fisheries community analysis, genetic analysis, and otolith microstructure analysis. His other experience includes PIT tag antenna arrays, electrofishing, stomach content analysis, salmonid carcass and redd surveys, rotary screw trapping, seining, trawling, and snorkel surveys. Jesse is an expert at identifying California’s diverse fishes, and an experienced boat operator in lakes, rivers, and deltas.

Selected Publications

 

Selheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River Ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Beaks M. P., J. C. Wiesenfeld, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Spatial Stream Network Modeling of Suisun Creek. Report to the California Land Stewardship Institute.

 

Wiesenfeld, J. C., D. H. Goodman, and A. P. Kinziger, 2018. Riverscape genetics identifies speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) cryptic diversity in the Klamath–Trinity Basin. Conservation Genetics 19(1):111-127. DOI:10.1007/s10592-017-1027-6.

 

Merz, J. M., A. Brodsky, K. Sellheim, J. K. Sweeney, and J. C. Wiesenfeld. 2017. Evaluation of gravel placement on juvenile salmonid prey assemblages in the lower American River, California, 2013-2015 Data Report. Report to the Sacramento Water Forum.

 

Wiesenfeld, J. C., S. C. Zeug, A. Brodsky, K. Sellheim, and J.E. Merz. 2017. San Joaquin River Restoration Floodplain Production Study Report. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Blankenship, S. M., G. Schumer, and J. C. Wiesenfeld. 2015. Delta smelt effective population size preliminary report. Report to the State and Federal Contractors Water Agency.

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Senior Scientist
B.A. Applied Mathematics; M.S. Environmental Systems – Mathematical Modeling; Ph.D. Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management
Phone: (206) 960-4498

 

Issaquah, Washington

Kai is a biometrician and modeler with over 10 years of broad experience in mathematical modeling, spatial analysis, and data visualization. His work focuses on providing decision support for natural resource management through mathematical and statistical modeling, exploring and visualizing data, and quantifying trade-offs. He has a wide-range of experience with mathematical modeling including optimization modeling (integer and multi-objective models), simulation modeling (agent/individual-based models, growth and yield), statistical modeling (model and parameter fitting, both frequentist and Bayesian), and spatial analysis using geographic information systems (GIS).

Selected Publications

 

Timm R. K., L. Caldwell, A. Nelson, C. Long, M. B. Chilibeck, M. Johnson, K. Ross, A. Muller, and J. M. Brown. 2019. Drones, hydraulics, and climate change: inferring barriers to steelhead spawning migrations. WIREs Water 6:e1379.

 

Roni, P., M. Krall, C. Clark, and K. Ross. 2019. Salmon Recovery Funding Board reach-scale project effectiveness monitoring program: 2018 Final Report. Report to the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Recreation and Conservation Office, Olympia, Washington.

 

Roni, P., C. Clark, M. Krall, S. Burgess, and K. Ross. 2019. Bonneville Power Administration Action Effectiveness Monitoring Program – 2018 Annual Report. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Project Number 2016-001-00, Portland, Oregon.

 

Ross, K. L., S. F. Tóth, and W. Jaross. 2018. Forest harvest scheduling with endogenous road costs. Interfaces 48(3):260-270.

 

Clark, C., M. Krall, K. Ross, and P. Roni. 2018. OWEB-SRFB coordinated monitoring program for livestock exclusion projects: 2017 Final Report. Report to the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Olympia, Washington.

 

Caldwell, L., D. Stroud, F. Carpenter, L. Belcher, M. Morasch, K. Denton, and K. Ross. 2017. Merwin upstream passage adult trap efficiency: 2016 Final Report. Report to Pacific Power (A Division of PacifiCorp).

 

Ceder, K., M. Teply, and K. Ross. 2016. Eastside modeling effectiveness project (EMEP). Report to the Washington Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee, Olympia, Washington.

 

Ross, K. L. 2016. Extending harvest-scheduling using spatial optimization: road access and edge effects. Doctoral dissertation. University of Washington, Seattle.

 

Ross, K. L., and S. F. Tóth. 2016. A model for managing edge effects in harvest scheduling using spatial optimization. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 31(7):646-654.

 

Van Kirk, R., S. Martin, K. Ross, and M. Douglas. 2014. Computer simulation modeling to determine trailhead quotas for overnight wilderness visitor use. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 32(3).

 

Ross, K. 2011. A simulation model for wilderness use in Yosemite National Park. Master’s Thesis. Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.

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Selected Publications

 

Merz, J. E., L. Caldwell, M. Beakes, C. Hammersmark, and K. Sellheim. 2018. Balancing competing life stage requirements in salmon habitat rehabilitation: between a rock and a hard place. Restoration Ecology. Early View only. DOI: 10.1111/rec.12900.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Willmes, J. A. Hobbs, J. J. G. Glessner, Z. J. Jackson, and J. E. Merz. 2017. Validating fin ray microchemistry as a tool to reconstruct the migratory history of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146(5):844-857.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Vaghti, and J. Merz. 2016. Vegetation recruitment in an enhanced floodplain: ancillary benefits of salmonid habitat enhancement. Limnologica 58:94-102.

 

Sellheim, K., C. Watry, B. Rook, S. Zeug, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, K. Dove, and J. Merz. 2015. Juvenile salmonid utilization of floodplain rearing habitat after gravel augmentation in a regulated river. River Research and Applications 32(4):610-621.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, J. D. Wikert, and J. Merz. 2014. Response of juvenile anadromous salmon to managed flow: lessons learned from the southern extent of Chinook salmon in North America. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21(2):155-168.

 

Anderson, I. J., M. K. Saiki, K. Sellheim, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Differences in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with a bloom of Didymosphenia geminata in the Lower American River, California. The Southwestern Naturalist 59(3):389-395.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, B. Rook, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, D. Cox, and J. Merz. 2014. Gravel augmentation increases spawning utilization by anadromous salmonids: a case study from California, USA. River Research and Applications 30(6):707-718.

 

Edwards, K. F., K. M. Aquilino, R. J. Best, K. L. Sellheim, and J. J. Stachowicz. 2010. Prey diversity is associated with weaker consumer effects in a meta- analysis of benthic marine experiments. Ecology Letters 13(2): 194-201.

 

Sellheim, K. L., J. J. Stachowicz, and R. C. Coates. 2010. Effects of a nonnative habitat-forming species on mobile and sessile epifaunal communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series 398: 69-80.

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Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist

B.S. Environmental Engineering; M.S. Hydrologic Sciences; Ph.D. Hydrologic Sciences

Phone: (916) 250-2022

 

West Sacramento, California

Rocko is the Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist at CFS and is responsible for leading studies and analyses of hydrologic and geomorphic processes that shape fish habitat. Rocko has more than 17 years of experience analyzing hydrology, hydraulics, and sediment transport associated with projects that restored fish habitat, aided flood control, modified hydrology, removed dams, and stabilized stream banks, and he is skilled in a wide range of field methods and analytical tools employed in leading studies of fluvial geomorphology. These include surveying; remote sensing; 2D modeling of flow, sediment, and habitat; GIS analysis; hyporheic exchange; steam habitat design; and fish passage assessments.

Selected Publications

 

Harrison, L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. J. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river. Water Resources Research 55. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024428.

 

Brown R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2019. How to build a digital river. Earth Science Reviews. In review.

 

Harrison L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Large-scale restoration of salmon spawning habitat in a regulated, gravel-bedded river. Water Resources Research. In review.

 

Pasternack, G.B., D. Baig, M. D. Weber, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Hierarchically nested river landform sequences. Part 1: Theory. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 43(12):2510-2518.

 

Pasternack, G. B., D. Baig, M. D. Weber, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Hierarchically nested river landform sequences. Part 2: Bankfull channel morphodynamics governed by valley nesting structure. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 43(12):2519-2532.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2017. Bed and width oscillations form coherent patterns in a partially confined, regulated gravel–cobble-bedded river adjusting to anthropogenic disturbances. Earth Surface Dynamics 5:1-20. DOI:10.5194/esurf-5-1-2017.

 

Brown, R. A., G. B. Pasternack, and T. Lin. 2016. The topographic design of river channels for form-process linkages. Environmental Management 57(4):929-942. DOI: 10.1007/s00267-015-0648-0.

 

Brown, R. A., G. B. Pasternack, and W. W. Wallender. 2014. Synthetic river valleys: creating prescribed topography for form-process inquiry and river rehabilitation design. Geomorphology 214:40-55.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2014. Hydrologic and topographic variability modulates channel change in mountain rivers. Journal of Hydrology 510:551-564.

 

Pasternack, G. B., and R. A. Brown. 2013. Ecohydraulic design of riffle-pool relief and morphological-unit geometry in support of regulated gravel-bed river rehabilitation. Pages 337-355 in I. Maddock, A. Harby, P. Kemp, and P. Wood, editors. Ecohydraulics: an integrated approach. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Hoboken, New Jersey.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2013. Monitoring and assessment of the 2011-2012 gravel/cobble augmentation in the Englebright Dam reach of the Lower Yuba River, CA. Report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, University of California at Davis, Davis, California.

 

Beakes, M., J. Moore, N. Retford, R. A. Brown, J. Merz, and S. Sogard. 2012. Evaluating statistical approaches to quantifying juvenile Chinook salmon habitat in a regulated California river. River Research and Applications 30(2):180-191.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2009. Comparison of methods for analyzing salmon habitat rehabilitation designs for regulated rivers. River Research and Applications 25:745-772.

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Principal Scientist

B.S. Biological Sciences; Ph.D. Genetics

Phone: (916) 231-1683

 

West Sacramento, California

Scott has over 19 years of experience applying genetic data to population monitoring and fisheries science, including extensive technical experience combining the newest tools of molecular biology and genetics theory with field observations of fish populations and their habitat. He is a recognized expert on the standardization of genetic data and sampling methodology for salmon and has collaborated on the design and implementation of species reintroduction programs, conservation hatchery programs, habitat restoration performance, regional genetic databases, innovative monitoring techniques, and the integration of genetic and geospatial information.

Selected Publications

 

Blankenship, S., G. Schumer, J. Van Eenennaam, and Z. Jackson. 2017. Estimating number of white sturgeon adults from egg relatedness. Fisheries Management and Ecology 24(2):163-172.

 

Finger, A., G. Schumer, A. Benjamin, A. Schreier, and S. Blankenship. 2017. Effective population size of delta smelt. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Sciences.

 

Bergman, P., G. Schumer, S. Blankenship, and E. Campbell. 2016. Detection of adult green sturgeon using environmental DNA analysis. PLoS One 11:e0153500. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153500.

 

Rawding, D. J., C. S. Sharpe, and S. M. Blankenship. 2014. Genetic-based estimates of adult Chinook salmon spawner abundance from carcass surveys and juvenile out-migrant traps. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 143:55-67.

 

Moran, P., D. J. Teel, M. A. Banks, T. D. Beacham, M. R. Bellinger, S. M. Blankenship, J. R. Candy, J. C. Garza, J. E. Hess, S. R. Narum, L. W. Seeb, W. D. Templin, C. G. Wallace, and C. T. Smith. 2013. Divergent life-history races do not represent Chinook salmon coast-wide: the importance of scale in quaternary biogeography. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 70:415-43.  DOI:10.1139/cjfas-2012-0135.

 

Limborg, M. T., S. M. Blankenship, S. F. Young, F. M. Utter, L. W. Seeb, M. H. H. Hansen, and J. E. Seeb. 2012. Signatures of natural selection among lineages and habitats in Oncorhynchus mykiss. Ecology and Evolution 2(1):1-18. DOI:10.1002/ece3.59.

 

Blankenship, S .M., M. R. Campbell, J. E. Hess, M. A. Hess, T. W. Kassler, C. C. Kozfkay, A. P. Matala, S. R. Narum, M. M. Paquin, M. P. Small, J. J. Stephenson, K. I. Warheit, and P. Moran. 2011. Major lineages and metapopulations in Columbia River Oncorhynchus mykiss are structured by dynamic landscape features and environments. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 140:665–684.

 

Blankenship, S. M., B. May, and D. Hedgecock. 2002. Evolution of a perfect simple-sequence-repeat locus in the context of its flanking sequence. Molecular Biology and Evolution 19(11):1943-1951.

 

Hedgecock, D., M. Banks, V. Rashbrook, C. Dean, and S. Blankenship. 2001 Applications of population genetics to conservation of Chinook salmon diversity in the Central Valley. Pages 45-70 in R. L. Brown, R.L., editor. Fish Bulletin 179: Contributions to the biology of Central Valley Salmonids. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

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Selected Publications

 

Zeug, S. C., J. Wiesenfeld, K. Sellheim, A. Brodsky, J. E. Merz. 2019. Assessment of juvenile Chinook salmon rearing habitat potential prior to species reintroduction. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 39:762-777.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, J. Melgo, J. E. Merz.. In Press. Spatial variation of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) survival in a modifies California river. Environmental Biology of Fishes.

 

Brodsky, A., S. C. Zeug, J. Nelson, J. Hannon, and P. Anders. 2019. Does broodstock source affect post-release survival of threatened steelhead? Implications of replacing a non-native hatchery stock for recovery.  Environmental Biology of Fishes, Special Edition. In Review.

 

Zeug, S. C., F. V. Feyrer, A. Brodsky, and J. Melgo. 2017. Piscivore diet response to a collapse in pelagic prey populations. Environmental Biology of Fishes 100(8):947-958.

 

Zeug, S. C., A. Brodsky, N. Kogut, A. R. Stewart, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Ancient fish and recent invaders: white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) diet response to invasive species-mediated changes in a benthic prey assemblage. Marine Ecology Progress Series 514:163-174.

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2014. Controls on the entrainment of juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) into large water diversions and estimates of population-level loss. PLoS One 9(7): e101479. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0101479.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, B. Rook, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, D. Cox, and J. Merz. 2014. Gravel augmentation increases spawning utilization by anadromous salmonids: a case study from California, USA. River Research and Applications 30(6):707-718.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, J. D. Wikert, and J. Merz. 2014. Response of juvenile Chinook Salmon to managed flow: lessons learned from a population at the southern extent of their range in North America. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21:155-168.

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2013. Influence of estuary conditions on the recovery rate of coded wire tagged Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in an ocean fishery. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 22:157-168.

 

Zeug, S. C., P. S. Bergman, B. J. Cavallo, and K. S. Jones. 2012. Application of a life cycle simulation model to evaluate impacts of water management and conservation actions on an endangered population of Chinook Salmon. Environmental Modeling and Assessment 17:455-467.

 

Zeug, S.C., L.  K. Albertson, H. S. Lenihan, J. Hardy, and B. Cardinale. 2011. Predictors of Chinook population extirpations in the Central Valley of California. Fisheries Management and Ecology 18:61-71.

 

Albertson, L. K., B. J. Cardinale, S. C. Zeug, H. S. Lenihan, L. Harrison, and A. M. Wydzga. 2011. Impacts of gravel augmentation on invertebrate assemblages in a restored river. Restoration Ecology 19:627-638.

 

Zeug, S. C., D. Peretti, and K. O. Winemiller. 2009. Movement into floodplain habitats by gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) revealed by dietary and stable isotope analyses. Environmental Biology of Fishes 84:307-314.

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Laboratory Technician II

B.S. Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation)

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

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Senior Laboratory Manager
B.S. Biological Sciences
Phone: (916) 250-1717

 

West Sacramento, California

Cheryl is the Genidaqs Senior Laboratory Manager at Cramer Fish Sciences, and has over 22 years of experience developing laboratory techniques and generating genetic data in support of listed species conservation, fisheries and hatcheries management, and introduced species monitoring. She specializes in applying genetic tools to address natural resource management, protected species recovery, and habitat restoration issues. Cheryl’s work has primarily focused on salmonid population genetics, including applying genetic tools for mixed stock analysis (population dynamics), genetic mark-recapture (vital rates), and population genetic statistical analyses (population health). Additionally, Cheryl has worked on numerous other species, including using genetic monitoring to examine the reproductive success of sage grouse reintroduction programs, evaluate changes in population structure of California honey bee, and assess landscape effects on connectivity (gene flow) in mountain goats.

Selected Publications

 

Small, M., D. Burgess, C. Dean, and K. Warheit. 2011. Does Lower Crab Creek in the Eastern Washington desert have a native population of Chinook salmon? Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140:808-821.

 

Pearse, D., L. Wooninck, C. Dean, and J. Garza. 2007. Identification of northeastern pacific rockfish using multilocus nuclear DNA genotypes. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:272-280.

 

Hedgecock, D., M. Banks, V. Rashbrook, C. Dean, and S. Blankenship. 2001 Applications of population genetics to conservation of Chinook salmon diversity in the Central Valley. Pages 45-70 in R. L. Brown, R.L., editor. Fish Bulletin 179: Contributions to the biology of Central Valley Salmonids. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

 

Banks, M., V. Rashbrook, M. Calavetta, C. Dean, and D. Hedgecock. 2000. Analysis of microsatellite DNA resolves genetic structure and diversity of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California’s Central Valley. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 57(5):915-927.

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Geneticist II

B.S. Wildlife Biology; M.S. Wildlife Biology

Phone: (503) 925-6665

 

Portland, Oregon

Dan is a Geneticist with more than a decade of experience in fisheries science.  Dan’s specialty is in applied ecology and population genetics, including environmental DNA applications. Prior to joining CFS, he served as the founding partner at Rogue Biological Consulting in Portland, OR, where he helped public utilities, tribes, and government agencies meet natural resources management objectives. Dan also spent several years as a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service where his work concentrated conservation issues facing Pacific salmon and trout. He has authored numerous journal articles focused on the application of science in natural resources management. Dan was the External Director of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society in 2017 and has served as Vice President of the Northwest Association of Environmental Professionals since 2018.

Selected Publications

 

Bingham, D. M. 2018. Genetic monitoring of invasive bullfrogs in the Yellowstone River floodplain, Montana. Contract report to the U.S. Geological Survey, Bozeman, Montana.

 

Bingham, D. M., and L. Caldwell. 2018. Comparison of environmental DNA (eDNA) and electrofishing protocol surveys in streams managed by SDS Lumber Company.  Contract report to SDS Lumber Company, Bingen, Washington.

 

Bingham, D. M., and L. Caldwell. 2018. Forest Practices Board water-type protocol field surveys. Contract report to SDS Lumber Company, Bingen, Washington.

 

Bingham, D. M., P. C. Gerrity, and S. Painter. 2018. Genetic tagging is an effective way to monitor survival of released hatchery saugers: conservation efforts in the Wind River, Wyoming. Environmental Practice 20:92-103.

 

Bingham, D. M. 2017. Statistical power to resolve parent-offspring relationships in Wind River saugers: applications in parentage-based tagging. Report to Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Lander, Wyoming.

 

Bingham, D. M., P. Buckskin, and H. Osborne. 2016. Isolation, migration, and local recruitment drive persistence of cutthroat trout in tributaries near American Falls Reservoir. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:590-605.

 

McKelvey, K. S., M. K. Young, T. M. Wilcox, D. M. Bingham, K. L. Pilgrim, and M. K. Schwartz. 2016. Patterns of hybridization among cutthroat trout and rainbow trout in northern Rocky Mountain streams. Ecology and Evolution 6:688-706.

 

Bingham, D. M. and G. Wyatt. 2015. Genetic evaluation of coastal cutthroat trout in Timothy Lake, Oregon. Contract report to Portland General Electric, Clackamas, Oregon.

 

Bingham, D. M. and P. Gerrity. 2015. Rapid genetic characterization of adult saugers spawned for hatchery supplementation: spawn year 2015. Report to Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Lander, Wyoming.

 

Bingham, D. M., B. M. Kennedy, K. C. Hanson, and C. T. Smith. 2014. Loss of genetic integrity in hatchery steelhead produced by juvenile-based broodstock and wild integration: conflicts in production and conservation goals. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 34:609-620.

 

Bingham, D. M. 2013. Relative reproductive success of hatchery- and natural-origin steelhead in Abernathy Creek, Washington. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Longview, Washington.

 

Bingham, D. M., R. F. Leary, S. Painter, and F. W. Allendorf. 2012. Near absence of hybridization between sauger and introduced walleye despite massive releases. Conservation Genetics 13:509-523.

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Senior Research Associate

B.S. Aquatic Biology, M.S. Ocean Sciences

Phone: (916) 250-2327

 

West Sacramento, California

Hilary has over 10 years of experience developing and implementing molecular genetic techniques for use in population ecology and management. She has applied these techniques to examine the coho salmon population in the Klamath River and to help inform coho hatchery practices in California. More recently, her research has focused on developing and implementing environmental DNA detection methods to investigate patterns of biodiversity in marine systems.

Selected Publications

 

Djurhuus, A., C. J. Closek, R. P. Kelly, K. J. Pitz, R. P. Michisaki, H. A. Starks, K. R. Walz, E. A. Andruszkiewicz, E. Olesin, K. Hubbard, E. Montes, D. Otis, F. E. Muller-Karger, F. P. Chavez, A. B. Boehm, and M. Breitbart. 2020. Environmental DNA reveals seasonal shifts and potential interactions in a marine community. Nature Communications 11(254). DOI:10.1038/s41467-019-14105-1.

 

Closek, C. J., J. A. Santora, H. A. Starks, I. D. Schroeder, E. A. Andruszkiewicz, K. M. Sakuma, S. J. Bograd, E. L. Hazen, J. C. Field, and A. B. Boehm. 2019. Marine vertebrate biodiversity and distribution within the central California Current using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and ecosystem surveys. Frontiers in Marine Science 6(732). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00732.

 

Andruszkiewicz, E. A., H. A. Starks, F. P. Chavez, L. M. Sassoubre, B. A. Block, and A. B. Boehm. 2017. Biomonitoring of marine vertebrates in Monterey Bay using eDNA metabarcoding. PLoS One 12:e0176343. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176343

 

Starks, H. A., A. J. Clemento, and J. C. Garza. 2015. Discovery and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch. Molecular Ecology Resources 16:277-287. DOI:10.1111/1755-0998.12430 .

 

Clemento, A. J., A. Abadía-Cardoso, H. A. Starks, and J. C. Garza. 2011. Discovery and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Molecular Ecology Resources 11(Suppl. 1):50-66. DOI:10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02972.x.

 

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Senior Research Associate

B.S. Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

Phone: (916) 550-9793

 

West Sacramento, California

Katie’s experience includes collecting data from salmonid habitat restoration sites using various techniques, including: fyke trapping, beach seining, Hess and drift sampling, flow transects, environmental data collection, and PIT tagging. She plays a key role in processing lab-based data, and specializes in invertebrate identification, data entry and Access database management. Katie also works on projects with GENIDAQS. She has extensive experience collecting eDNA samples in the field, extracting DNA from tissue and eDNA samples, set up and programming of the eDNA auto-sampler, and extraction protocol development.

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Senior Laboratory Technician

B.S. Animal Biology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Michelle is a laboratory technician with Genidaqs at Cramer Fish Sciences. She works to collect, extract, and analyze eDNA samples from tissues and filters, write standard operating procedures, and maintain lab equipment. Michelle has worked in various labs including those studying marine invertebrates biology, plant biology, microRNAs in honey bees pheromone pathways and human vectored diseases in laboratory rodents. Her extensive background in laboratory research is a great support for Cramer Fish Sciences in solving challenges in aquatic ecology and fish populations.

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Senior Laboratory Technician

B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Sciences

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

As a senior lab technician specializing in native fish populations, Vickie transforms DNA into actionable insights that protect our aquatic ecosystems. Vickie’s laboratory prowess spans the full spectrum of genetic analysis—from meticulous sample cataloging and multi-method DNA extractions to sophisticated quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis and gel electrophoresis. Vickie’s fieldwork reads like a conservation success story. They’ve tracked the leading edge of northern pike invasions in the Columbia River Basin, providing critical intelligence to protect native fish communities. Their work has shed light on Pacific lamprey populations in Oregon’s headwaters, providing vital information to Tribal nations. In Montana, Vickie played a key role in brook trout eradication projects, helping restore balance to threatened ecosystems. Vickie seamlessly bridges laboratory precision with hands-on fieldwork. Whether collecting eDNA samples that reveal the invisible presence of species, conducting electrofishing surveys, or expertly identifying fish species in the field, Vickie brings the same meticulous attention to detail that defines their lab work.

Selected Publications

 

Barber-Meyer, S.M., V. Zeller, and K.L. Pilgrim. 2022. Testing Environmental DNA from Wolf Snow Tracks for Species, Sex, and Individual Identification-An Addendum. Canadian Wildlife Biology & Management 11(1):12-14.

 

Young, M.K., D.J. Isaak, D. Nagel, D.L. Horan, K.J. Carim, T.W. Franklin, V.A. Zeller, B. Roper, and M.K. Schwartz. 2022. Broad-scale eDNA sampling for describing aquatic species distributions in running waters: Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus in the upper Snake River, USA. Journal of Fish Biology 101(5):1312-1325.

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Restoration Engineer in Training

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering

Phone: (888) 244-1221

 

Boise, Idaho

Emma-Kate is a Restoration Engineer in Training with experience in environmental engineering and fish monitoring and surveying. She has worked on a variety of projects supporting water distribution and water treatment across the Pacific Northwest. She is skilled in AutoCAD Civil 3D, and ArcGIS to support technical drawing development and design and has assisted on roadway design, water drainage, environmental monitoring, and construction management. Emma-Kate also has experience in the field collecting and compiling ecological data in both rivers and lake environments. She has conducted fish population surveys, fish diet analyses, mammalian surveys, macroinvertebrate surveys, electrofishing, and water quality monitoring and analysis. Her blend of ecological experience and engineering allows Emma-Kate to support project efforts through a variety of field and design tasks.

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Senior Restoration Engineer

B.S. Civil/Environmental Engineering, M.S. Hydrology, CFM

Phone: (888) 224-1221

Boise, Idaho

Tyler is a Senior Restoration Engineer with extensive experience in water resources and hydraulic engineering in the Pacific Northwest. His experience includes aquatic habitat restoration design, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, sediment modeling, large wood design, floodplain mapping, geomorphic and habitat assessment, and hydrometric surveying. Tyler’s diverse background includes experience at every step of a project from prioritization and planning to site assessment, literature review, data collection and surveying, modeling and design, permitting, and construction. This experience allows for an interdisciplinary, process-based understanding of project delivery. He has experience developing hydrologic and hydraulic models such as HEC-RAS, SRH-2D, River2D, HEC-HMS, HPSF, MGSFlood, HY-8, SWAT, WMS, SWMM, and StormShed.  He is an experienced jet boat and raft operator in lakes, rivers, and deltas, including for the purposes of topobathymetric and hydrometric surveys. Tyler has experience working on a broad range of river engineering projects such as culvert replacements, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, floodplain mapping, and bank erosion/scour protection.

Selected Publications

 

Collins, V. and T. Rockhill. 2021. Oso Landslide Memorial Site Hydraulic Analysis, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for Snohomish County Parks and Recreation.

 

Collins, V., Payne, J., Rockhill, T., Nelson, A., Dufficy, A., and M. Ohrt. 2021. Abbott Levee Habitat Improvement Project: 100% Basis of Design Report, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District.

 

Collins, T., Brown, J. and T. Rockhill. 2021. Ferndale Levee Improvement Project Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Geomorphology Existing Conditions Report, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District.

 

Dillon, P., Brooks, P. and T. Rockhill. 2020. Avondale Road Erosion Existing Hydrologic and Hydraulic Conditions, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for City of Redmond.

 

Collins, V., Leytham, M. and T. Rockhill. 2020. Coweeman River Levee Raise Hydrograph Development Memorandum, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for Shannon & Wilson.

 

Bennett, T., Rockhill, T., and D. Jones. 2020. Maddox Creek/Big Ditch Alternatives Evaluation, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc, prepared for Skagit County Drainage and Irrigation District #17

 

Washington State Department of Transportation. 2018. SR 529 Steamboat Slough Mitigation Site.

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2017. Wyoming Stream Quantification Tool (WSQT) User Manual and Spreadsheet. Beta Version.

 

Meixner, T., Papuga S.A., Luketich, A.M., Rockhill, T., Gallo, E.L., Anderson, J., Salgado, L. Pope, K. Gupta, N., Korgaonkar, Y., Guertin, D.P. 2017. Green Infrastructure Increases Biogeochemical Responsiveness, Vegetation Growth and Decreases Runoff in a Semi-Arid City, Tucson, AZ, USA.  American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017, abstract #H34H-06.

 

Tyler Rockhill.  2017. Influence of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties on Soil CO2 Efflux in Semi-Arid Green Stormwater Infrastructure.  Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences. University of Arizona. Master’s Thesis.

 

Chatel, J., and Vouno, S., 2012 Sawtooth Bull Trout Management Indicator Species Monitoring Report, United States Forest Service

 

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Project Manager II

B.S. Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity

Phone: (530) 240-6330

 

Meadow Vista, California

Annie has nearly 10 years of experience working on anadromous and estuarine fishery issues in California. She serves as a CFS biologist and leads planning, supervising, and conducting field projects. Annie has experience in stream habitat mapping and use assessments, evaluating and modeling fish migration and survival, and analyzing aquatic organism and environmental data. She has compiled field-collected data into spatial layers for analysis, visualization, and mapping in GIS to support natural resource research, assessment, and management. Annie has extensive experience with numerous monitoring and sampling methods and equipment; with developing field and laboratory protocols and organizing field research for genetic, monitoring, and biotelemetry studies; and with the identification and handling of sensitive species such as delta smelt, white sturgeon, and Chinook salmon.

Selected Publications

 

 

Brodsky, A., Zeug, S.C., Nelson, J. et al. 2020. Does broodstock source affect post-release survival of steelhead? Implications of replacing a non-native hatchery stock for recovery. Environmental Biology of Fishes. DOI: 10.1007/s10641-020-00951-2.

 

Zeug, S. C., R. Null, A. Brodsky, M. Johnston, and A. J. Ammann. 2019. Effect of release timing on migration survival of juvenile fall run Chinook salmon from Coleman National Fish Hatchery. Environmental Biology of Fishes, Special Edition. In Review.

 

Abadía-Cardoso, A., A. Brodsky, B. Cavallo, M. Arciniega, J.C. Garza, J. Hannon, and D. Pearse. 2019. Anadromy Redux? Genetic analysis to inform development of an indigenous American River steelhead broodstock. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10(1):137-147.

 

Zeug, S. C., F. V. Feyrer, A. Brodsky, and J. Melgo. 2017. Piscivore diet response to a collapse in pelagic prey populations. Environmental Biology of Fishes 100(8):947-958.

 

Brodsky, A., S. C. Zeug, I. Courter, and S. Blankenship. 2016. Alternative broodstock for the Nimbus Hatchery Steelhead Program. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Bay Delta Office, Sacramento, California.

 

Zeug, S. C., A. Brodsky, N. Kogut, A. R. Stewart, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Ancient fish and recent invaders: white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) diet response to invasive species-mediated changes in a benthic prey assemblage. Marine Ecology Progress Series 514:163-174.

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Project Manager II

B.S. Biological Sciences; M.S. Biostatistics

 

West Sacramento, California

Phil has over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including 17 years in project management capacities. He is an accomplished project manager, successfully leading product and service projects to completion. He has experience fostering customer relationships, focusing on a collaborative approach to ensure effective solutions. He has expertise working with stakeholders from a variety of functional groups, concentrating on partnerships to ensure requirements are addressed and met. As part of the Cramer Fish Sciences team, Phil is responsible for leading genetics and eDNA-based service projects.

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Selected Publications

 

Constandache, A., Bari, O., Forecasting a Stock’s Remaining Intraday Volume, 2018 First International Conference on Probabilistic Programming PROBPROG 2018.

 

Ulicny, B., Constandache, A., Cunningham, J., Traub, M., Yu, K., Azeglio, C., Saito-Varadi, M., 2016. Thomson Reuters and the FEIII challenge. Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Data Science for Macro-Modeling, DSMM@CIKM 2016.

 

Constandache, A., Das, A., Popowicz, Z. 2003 A Benney-like lattice. Czechoslovak journal of physics.

 

Constandache, A., Ashok Das, and F. Toppan. 2002 Lucas polynomials and a standard Lax representation for the polytropic gas dynamics. Letters in Mathematical Physics.

 

Brunelli, J. C., Constandache, A., Das, A. 2002 A Lax equation for the non-linear sigma model. Physics Letters B.

 

Barcelos-Neto, J., Constandache, A., Das A. 2000 Dispersionless fermionic KdV. Physics Letters A.

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Biometrician

B.S. BioEngineering; M.S. Ecology; Ph.D. Environmental and Forest Sciences

Phone: (360) 456-4621

 

Issaquah, Washington

Apryle is a quantitative ecologist, with a focus on assessing changes to vegetation and fish communities before and after an impact. Her work focuses on applications of mixed models, machine learning, multivariate analyses, and data visualization to address a wide range of ecological questions. Apryle excels at study design, data collection, and data management, having led field data collection and data analysis teams for multi-year riparian restoration projects at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  

Selected Publications

 

Johnston, M., J. Frantzich, M.B. Espe, P. Goertler, G. Singer, T. Sommer, and A. Peter Klimley. 2020. Contrasting the migratory behavior and stranding risk of white sturgeon and chinook salmon in a modified floodplain of California. Environmental Biology of Fishes 103:481-493.

 

Espe, M.B., J.E. Hill, M. Leinfelder-Miles, L.A. Espino, R. Mutters, D. Mackill, C. van Kessel, and B.A. Linquist. 2018. Rice yield improvements through plant breeding are offset by inherent yield declines over time. Field Crops Research 222:59 – 65.

 

Espe, M.B., J.E. Hill, R.J. Hijmans, K. McKenzie, R.Mutters, L.A. Espino, M. Leinfelder-Miles, C. van Kessel, and B.A. Linquist. 2017. Point stresses during reproductive stage rather than warming seasonal temperature determine yield in temperate rice. Global Change Biology 23(10):4386-4395.

 

Tao, A., R.K. Afshar, J. Huang, Y.A. Mohammed, M.B. Espe, and C. Chen. 2017. Variation in yield, starch, and protein of dry peas grown across Montana. Agronomy Journal 109(4):1491-1501.

 

Espe, M.B., H. Yang, K.G. Cassman, N. Guilpart, H. Sharifi, and B.A. Linquist. 2016. Yield gap analysis of US rice production systems shows opportunities for improvement. Field Crops Research 193:123–132.

 

Espe, M.B., H. Yang, K.G. Cassman, N. Guilpart, H. Sharifi, and B.A. Linquist. 2016. Estimating yield potential in temperate high-yielding, direct-seeded US rice production systems. Field Crops Research 193:123–132.

 

Ye, R., M.B. Espe, B.A. Linquist, S.J. Parikh, T.A. Doane, and W.R. Horwath. 2016. A soil carbon proxy to predict CH 4 and N 2 O emissions from rewetted agricultural peatlands. Agriculture Ecosystems and the Environment 220:64–76.

 

Espe, M.B., E. Kirk, C. van Kessel, W.R. Horwath, and B.A. Linquist. 2015. Indigenous nitrogen supply of rice is predicted by soil organic carbon. Soil Science Society of America Journal 79(2).

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Senior Ecologist

B.S. Aquatic Biology; Ph.D. Marine Ecology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Avery is an aquatic ecologist with 10 years of experience working in diverse ecosystems, from streams in eastern Kentucky and Hawaii to oyster and coral reefs in south Texas and the Caribbean. Her research interests include predator prey relationships, trophic cascades, and the influence of species interactions on ecosystem structure and function. She is also interested in science communication and outreach; she has experience in informal science education programs as well as with science writing and social media. As an ecologist at CFS, Avery helps to design and conduct research on the role of stream ecology in the efficacy of river restoration for salmon and steelhead.

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Chase has worked across diverse U.S. systems, from Tennessee streams to the Desert Southwest and California’s Central Valley, including the mainstem Sacramento River, tributaries such as the Stanislaus River, and the Delta. He focuses on monitoring of endangered species including Chinook Salmon, Central Valley steelhead, Razorback Sucker, and Bonytail. At Cramer Fish Sciences, his work includes Chinook survival studies in the Upper Sacramento River, floodplain utilization by juvenile salmon at the Mokelumne River-Delta junction, and entrainment studies at Delta export facilities. He is particularly interested in the key factors limiting the recovery of Chinook Salmon and Central Valley Steelhead, including the impacts of nonnative predators, environmental cues influencing life history diversity in Rainbow Trout and steelhead, and stressors affecting key demographic rates in salmonids. Chase’s expertise spans the full research cycle, from study design and field sampling to analysis and reporting. He uses diverse tools including electrofishing, telemetry, PIT scanners, and R programming for data analysis and visualization, applying both established and emerging technologies to advance fisheries science and management.

Selected Publications 

Ehlo, C.E., L.H. Elliot, B.D. Healy, C.C. Phillis, and M.C. Runge. 2026. Balancing water storage and Chinook salmon conservation under uncertainty: How decision analysis can inform fall flow management below Shasta Dam [Manuscript in Preparation]. Cramer Fish Sciences.

Ehlo, C.E., W.J. Goldsmith, B.R. Kesner, and P.C. Marsh. 2019. Size-specific fate and survival of june sucker Chasmistes liorus mictus in Utah Lake, Utah. Western Northern American Naturalist 79(1):110-123.

Ehlo, C.E., M.J. Saltzgiver, T.E. Dowling, P.C. Marsh, and B.R. Kesner. 2017. Use of molecular techniques to confirm nonnative fish predation on razorback sucker larvae in Lake Mohave, Arizona and Nevada 146(2):201-205.

Massure, W.A., C.A. Ehlo, B.R. Kesner, and P.C. Marsh. 2015. Positive phototaxis in larval bonytail. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 6(2):425-429.

Ehlo, C.E. and J.B. Layzer. 2014. Population demographics and life history of the round hickornut (Obovaria subrotunda) in the Duck River, Tennessee. The American Midland Naturalist 171(1):1-15.

Elene Trujillo is a senior fisheries biologist with more than two decades of scientific research and biostatistical expertise in both marine and freshwater systems. Her diverse work spans aquatic disease and ecology, resource management, restoration effectiveness, and scientific communication. Elene specializes in developing regional metrics that guide effectiveness evaluations, providing evidence to support decision-making and policy development. With her strong background in project management, biostatistics, and communications from organizations including the Puget Sound Partnership, NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Elene excels at connecting people, data, and innovative ideas to address complex resource management challenges. Her published research includes work on cumulative effects of nearshore habitat conservation and climate change impacts on salmon migration.

Selected Publications 

 

Diefenderfer H.L., G.D. Steyer, M.C. Harwell, A.J. LoSchiavo, H.A. Neckles, D.M. Burdick, G.E. Johnson, K.E. Buenau, E. Trujillo, J.C. Callaway, N.K. Ganju, R.M. Thom, and R.R. Twilley. 2020. Applying cumulative effects to strategically advance large-scale ecosystem restoration. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 19:108-117. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2274

 

Crozier L.G., J.E. Siegel, L.E. Wiesebron, E.M. Trujillo, B.J. Burke, B.P. Sandford, and D.L. Widener. 2020. Snake River sockeye and Chinook salmon in a changing climate: Implications for upstream migration survival during recent extreme and future climates. PLoS ONE 15(9):e0238886. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238886

Senior Biologist
B.S. Marine Biology; M.S. Animal Biology
Phone: (916) 250-1570

 

West Sacramento, California

Jamie has over a decade of experience monitoring and analyzing fish populations in the California Central Valley and Delta. Her expertise includes leading field staff in data collection using snorkel surveys, spawning surveys, mark-recapture studies, and water quality monitoring. Jamie’s technical skills encompass fish and invertebrate identification, radio telemetry tracking, electrofishing for special-status salmonids, and isotopic microchemistry analysis. She excels in data visualization and analysis, as well as generating clear, detailed reports. Jamie’s recent research focuses on salmonid habitat restoration effectiveness, flow management impacts, and using microchemistry to explore White Sturgeon life history, resulting in several peer-reviewed publications.

Selected publications

 

Sweeney, J.K. and K. Sellheim. 2025. Chinook Salmon fall 2024 aerial photograph spawning survey. Lower American River, California. Technical Memorandum. Prepared for the Sacramento Water Forum.

 

Sweeney, J.K., K. Sellheim, and J.E. Merz. 2024. Lower American River monitoring: 2024 steelhead spawning and stranding surveys annual report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid-Pacific Region. Prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Sweeney, J.K., Willmes, M., Sellheim, K., Lewis, L.S., Hobbs, J.A., Fangue, N.A. and Merz, J.E., 2020. Ontogenetic patterns in the calcification and element incorporation in fin rays of age-0 White Sturgeon. Environmental Biology of Fishes 103(11): 1401-1418.

 

Blankenship, S. M., A. Scherer, C. Dean, K. Sellheim, J.K. Sweeney, and J. Merz. 2024. Applying parentage methods to detect gravel augmentation effects on juvenile Chinook Salmon recruitment rates. River Research and Applications 40(5):791-808 https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.4264.

 

Sellheim, K., A. Scherer, R. Brown, J. Anderson, J.K. Sweeney, and J. Merz. 2025. Restored seasonally inundated habitat supports juvenile salmonid rearing and growth in two California Central Valley streams. North American Journal of Fisheries Management p.vqae003 https://doi.org/10.1093/najfmt/vqae003.

 

Sellheim K, J.K. Sweeney, and J.E. Merz. 2022. Increasing objectivity associated with anadromous fish redd identification using a discriminant function analysis. Frontiers in Environmental Science 10:1–15 10.3389/fenvs.2022.1085941.

 

Sellheim K., M. Willmes. L.S. Lewis, J.K. Sweeney, J.E. Merz, and J.A. Hobbs. 2022. Diversity in habitat use by White Sturgeon revealed using fin ray geochemistry. Frontiers in Marine Science 9:1–18 10.3389/fmars.2022.859038.

 

Sellheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Sweeney, J., K. Sellheim, and J. Merz. 2017. Lower American River Monitoring: 2017 Steelhead spawning and stranding surveys annual report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Anderson, J., J. Sweeney, T. Hinkelman, K. Horvath and J. Merz. 2016. Juvenile salmonid outmigration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Beakes, J. Merz, and J. Sweeney. 2016. Mokelumne River salmonid spawning and rearing habitat potential: analysis of coarse sediment and floodplain extent. Report to the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

 

Sellheim, K., J. Merz, D. Stroud, and J. Sweeney. 2016. Lower American River monitoring: 2016 steelhead spawning and stranding surveys Annual Report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Sellheim, K., J. Merz, P. Haverkamp, and J. Sweeney. 2015. Lower American River Monitoring: 2015 steelhead spawning and stranding surveys annual report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

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Selected Publications

 

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Senior Biologist

B.S. Aquatic & Fishery Science, minor in Quantitative Science; M.S. Environmental Science

Phone: (503) 850-9051

 

Portland, Oregon

Kristin has over 9 years of experience conducting, analyzing and reporting the results of biological field and laboratory studies in the Pacific Northwest. She has led and supported fisheries trophic ecology and monitoring studies in freshwater and marine environments using a variety of field methods, including gill nets, seines, traps, mid-water trawls, fish marking, electrofishing and hydroacoustic. In addition, she has experience sampling and identifying macroinvertebrates and zooplankton, and has conducted limnological sampling and habitat assessments. Kristin is skilled at gut contents analysis, stable isotope analysis, fish age/growth estimation using aging structures, and boat operation. She has experience analyzing and reporting the results of fisheries food-web and monitoring studies, including bioenergetics modeling and multivariate community analyses. Kristin’s duties include developing field protocols, leading field crews, analyzing biological and spatial data, and report writing.

Senior Biologist

B.S. Enviornmental Sciences; M.S. Hydrologic Sciences

 

 

West Sacramento, California

Pete is a fisheries biologist with extensive experience in habitat restoration and fish passage effectiveness monitoring in California and the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, he has used beach seines, trawls, gill nets, fyke traps, rotary screw traps, snorkel surveys, carcass and redd surveys, electrofishing (backpack and boat), and telemetry (PIT, radio, and acoustic) to monitor the abundance, habitat use, and movement of native and non-native fish species in both California and British Columbia. Additionally, Pete has analyzed physical habitat using data collected from depth and velocity, pebble count, and core sampling surveys, hydraulic models, topographic and bathymetric surveys (e.g., RTK GPS, total station, echo sounder), and remote sensing. He has also helped design and fabricate patented sampling equipment and has conducted environmental monitoring for a variety of instream construction projects. Before joining Cramer Fish Sciences, Pete was a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia where he designed, led, and managed telemetry-based field studies of salmonids and White Sturgeon using PIT, radio, and acoustic telemetry technology. In graduate school, Pete developed and validated juvenile salmonid habitat suitability models of the lower Yuba River and evaluated how rearing habitat evolved along the river over time.

Selected Publications

 

Moniz, P. J., and D. Ramos-Espinoza. 2023. Bulkley River Sockeye Salmon Telemetry Project Data Summary – 2022. Prepared for Wet’suwet’en, Smithers, British Columbia.

 

Buchanan, J., A. Hébert, P. J. Moniz, D. Ramos-Espinoza, and A. Putt. 2023. BRGMON-9 Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Implementation Year 10 (2022). Prepared for Splitrock Environmental, Lillooet, British Columbia, and BC Hydro, Burnaby, British Columbia.

 

Cook, K. V., P. J. Moniz, and D. Ramos-Espinoza. 2023. Site C Fishway Effectiveness Monitoring Program (Mon-13) & Trap and Haul Fish Release Location Monitoring Program (Mon-14). Construction Year 8 (2022). Prepared for BC Hydro, Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Hébert, A., P. J. Moniz, D. Ramos-Espinoza, and K. V. Cook. 2023. Lajoie Dam Improvement Project (GM-0246): Effects Assessment of the 2022 Drawdown of Downton Reservoir. Fisheries Act Authorization 22-HPAC-00271. Prepared for Splitrock Environmental, Lillooet, British Columbia, and BC Hydro, Burnaby, British Columbia.

 

Moniz, P. J., K. V. Cook, and D. Ramos-Espinoza. 2022. Site C Fishway Effectiveness Monitoring Program (Mon-13) & Trap and Haul Fish Release Location Monitoring Program (Mon-14). Construction Year 7 (2021). Prepared for BC Hydro, Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Buchanan, J., A. Hébert, P. J. Moniz, D. Ramos-Espinoza, C. White, P. Freeman, and A. Putt. 2022. BRGMON-9 Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Implementation Year 9 (2021). Prepared for Splitrock Environmental, Lillooet, British Columbia, and BC Hydro, Burnaby, British Columbia.

 

Moniz, P. J., and G. B. Pasternack. 2021. Chinook salmon rearing habitat–discharge relationships change as a result of morphodynamic processes. River Research and Applications 37(10):1386-1399.

 

Cook, K. V., P. J. Moniz, A. Putt, and D. Ramos-Espinoza. 2021. Site C Fishway Effectiveness Monitoring Program (Mon-13). Construction Year 6 (2020). Prepared for BC Hydro, Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Hébert, A., P. J. Moniz, D. Ramos-Espinoza, J. Buchanan, C. White, and A. Putt. 2021. BRGMON-9 Seton River Habitat and Fish Monitoring Implementation Year 8 (2020). Prepared for Splitrock Environmental, Lillooet, British Columbia, and BC Hydro, Burnaby, British Columbia.

 

Moniz, P. J., G. B. Pasternack, D. A. Massa, L. W. Stearman, and P. M. Bratovich. 2020. Do rearing salmonids predictably occupy physical microhabitat? Journal of Ecohydraulics 5(2):132-150.

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Senior Restoration Biologist

B.S. Aquatic Biology; M.S. Natural Resources

Phone: (916) 250-1922

 

West Sacramento, California

Philip is a biologist with over a decade of experience in fisheries research and monitoring throughout California. He leads field work for a variety of projects including restoration effectiveness monitoring and applied research. He has extensive experience performing downstream migrant trapping, carcass and redd surveys, habitat mapping, snorkel surveys, electrofishing, seining, fish tagging including PIT, elastomer, and CWT, benthic macroinvertebrate collection and identification, and physical data collection. He performs data analysis and visualization, writes reports, and assists with manuscript preparation. Additionally, Philip performs the extensive environmental permitting and reporting required for implementing research and restoration projects in California.

Selected Publications

 

Selheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River Ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2018. Middle Piru Creek rainbow trout sampling in support of Santa Felicia Dam fish passage: biological assessment. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the United Water Conservation District.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2018. Merced Irrigation District’s Merced River instream and off-channel habitat rehabilitation project: biological and essential fish habitat assessment. Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service on behalf of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2017. Stanislaus river channel and floodplain rehabilitation project at Rodden road biological assessment. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences and cbec eco-engineering. 2017. Hallwood side channel and floodplain restoration project environmental assessment/initial study. Report to the Yuba County on behalf of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2016. Stanislaus River salmonid habitat restoration project at Buttonbush: biological and essential fish habitat assessment. Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service on behalf of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Colombano, P. A. 2012. Response of coastal stream habitat and juvenile steelhead to the Honeydew Fire in Humboldt County, California. Master’s Thesis, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.

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Senior Biologist
B.A. Ecology; M.S. Marine Resource Management

Phone: (503) 850-9610

 

Portland, Oregon 

Ryan is an exceptional fisheries biologist with over a decade of experience conducting and leading a variety of sampling and monitoring projects. Ryan has extensive field experience that includes deployment and operation of biotelemetry equipment, collection of juvenile outmigrant data (rotary screw and incline plane traps, PIT tagging, snorkeling), water quality sampling, boat operations, and assessment of aquatic and riparian habitats. Prior to joining Cramer Fish Sciences, Ryan worked on studies evaluating survival rates of juvenile salmonid passage through hydroelectric projects and estimating the exposure of ESA-listed salmonids to harmful levels of total dissolved gas. As a graduate student, Ryan researched how genetics-based tools can be used to identify catch distributions for Chinook salmon at refined space-time scales that are beyond the capacity of traditionally reported coded-wire tag data. Ryan is well versed in managing and analyzing complex data sets in R and GIS, developing web-based applications to host and visualize data, and preparing and editing technical reports and publications.  

Selected Publications

 

Arntzen, E. V., R. J. Flaherty, A. H. Colotelo, R. D. Harnish, J. Vavrinec, S. A. Zimmerman, J. D. Tagestad, and K. Stertz. 2018. Assessment of the effects of total dissolved gas exposure of upper Willamette River Chinook salmon and steelhead below Foster Dam. PNNL-27325. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Liss, S. A., J. S. Hughes, E. F. Fischer, R. J. Flaherty, and J. P. Duncan. 2017. Willamette Valley high head bypass downstream passage prototype evaluation: radio telemetry evaluation of the connecting and bypass pipes at Green Peter Dam, 2016. PNNL-26198. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Hughes, J. S., S. A. Liss, R. J. Flaherty, E. S. Fischer, B. J. Bellgraph, C. V. Vernon, and G. E. Johnson. 2017. Evaluation of juvenile salmonid passage and behavior at Foster Dam using radio telemetry, 2016. PNNL-26416. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Flaherty, R. J. 2015. Tags versus genetics: identifying which tool provides the best information about Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) distributions in the California Current. M.S. Thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis.

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Senior Forester
B.S. Forest Resources

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon 

Travis Anderberg is a senior forester with 20 years of experience in natural resource management and forest improvement projects. His expertise lies in maximizing the financial and ecological value of forestlands while meeting landowner desires and regulatory compliance. Travis is particularly skilled in developing forestland management plans, permitting, habitat restoration, timber sale management, forest products appraisal, and road design and construction. Throughout his career, he has established and managed long-term inventory and strategic planning databases for several tree farms totaling 9,500 acres and prepared hundreds of in-depth timber management and conservation activity plans. His diverse experience spans work with trusts, family tree farms, timberland investors, estates, conservation groups, tribes, government agencies, and industrial tree farms. He is certified as a Natural Resource Conservation Service Technical Service Provider, American Tree Farm System Qualified Inspector, and FAA Remote Pilot.

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Image Analyst II

B.S. Natural Resource Conservation

 

West Sacramento, California

Andrew has experience performing freshwater fisheries assessments using common capture techniques, age/growth sampling, diet composition, water quality sampling, and laboratory analysis. He was a fisheries observer in the North Atlantic on both scallop and groundfish commercial fishing vessels, as well as an observer for marine mammals. His training allowed him to observe on vessels that fished using several gear types, including dredge, mid-water/bottom trawl, gillnet, rod and reel, and longline. He spent over 300 days at sea collecting extensive biological data pertaining to targeted catch, bycatch, environmental factors, as well as fishing effort and behavior. He is currently working to develop robust code to help automatically detect, enumerate, and classify organisms from images in order to automate processes and efficiently produce quantitative metrics from fisheries surveys.

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Data Stewardship Manager
B.S. Environmental Science; M. Natural Resources – Wildlife Management
Phone: (916) 250-2065

 

West Sacramento, California

Bobbie Flores is Program Administrator for the California field office in West Sacramento. Bobbie is instrumental in organizing data management, workflows, and training for the California staff. She has experience providing field monitoring for fish and wildlife for various resource agencies, private science firms and non-profits and often leads field and lab-oriented experimental efforts. She has broad and growing experience conducting monitoring to assess risks for species of management concern and their habitat. This includes construction monitoring for special-status fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and invertebrates on the American, Yuba, Merced, and Stanislaus rivers, as well as within the California State Park Carnegie SVRA. She has performed spawning, stranding, and snorkel surveys for steelhead/rainbow trout and Chinook Salmon on the American and Stanislaus rivers. She has also performed vernal pool surveys for special-status species.

Selected Publications

 

Flores, B. 2024. Hallwood Floodplain and Side Channel Restoration Project – Salmonid Redd Surveys on the Yuba River 2014-2023 ver 1. Environmental Data Initiative. https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/c63dfd5cf905769434bfc75faa05bb9e

 

 

Flores, B. 2024. Pre- and Post- construction snorkel surveys at the project and reach stretches, Yuba River, CA, 2014 through 2024 ver 3. Environmental Data Initiative. https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/d4d6cc89479bd9343f77186b99a54c8c

 

 

Ehlo, C., and Flores, B. 2024. Monitoring O. mykiss Life Stages on the Stanislaus River ver 4. Environmental Data Initiative. https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/219bfe77080a80b845e718228d3c00a4

 

 

Flores, B., K. Ross, A. Veary, J. Wiesenfeld, and Merz, J. 2024. Enhancing ecological assessments through continuous monitoring: a case study on zooplankton and fish dynamics. Presented to American Fisheries Society Cal-Neva Annual Conference. AFS.

 

 

Flores, B. A. Craig, C. Dean, M. Ferrell., R. Mager, J. Merz. 2024. No Net Habitat Loss – Quantifying Fish Response to Levee Setback Projects. Presented to Interagency Ecological Program Annual Workshop. Sacramento, CA.

 

 

Flores, B., W. Thorpe, K. Ross, L. Cordner, R. Mager, and Merz, J. 2023. Priming the Pump: Meins Landing Managed Food Web Experiment. Presented to American Fisheries Society Cal-Neva Annual Conference. AFS.

 

 

Flores, B., and Merz, J. 2022. Video sampling allows better sampling design for less effort. Scientific poster presented to American Fisheries Society Cal-Neva Annual Conference. AFS.

 

 

Merz, J., K. Sellheim, J. Sweeney, B. Flores, and Y. Karpenko. 2021. Water quality, fish community, and eDNA monitoring during the 2021 drought. Technical memorandum to the Sacramento Water Forum. Sacramento, CA.

 

 

Flores, B., Merz, J. and Kenney, I. 2019. Evaluating Camera-Captured Morphometric Data for an Imperiled Fish with a Flume Experiment. Scientific poster presented to American Fisheries Society & The Wildlife Society 2019 Joint Annual Conference. AFS.

 

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Fisheries Biologist II
M.S. Ecology, B.S. Environmental Science
Phone: (530) 240-6437

 

Issaquah, Washington

Ericka is an aquatic ecologist with approximately 15 years of experience working on a diverse set of research projects that span project management of endangered amphibian recovery and disease ecology, native freshwater mussel habitat modeling, anadromous fish food web structure assessment, and stormwater mitigation decision science. She also has experience with space use modeling for desert tortoises, wildfire risk modeling, and vulnerability mapping. She has extensive experience collecting biological, habitat, and water quality data in both urban and wilderness settings. Her technical skills include database development and management, GIS spatial analysis and cartography, and R coding and statistical analysis.

Selected Publications

 

Hegeman, E. E., and P. S. Levin. 2023. Using human health disparities and salmon health to guide spatial prioritization of green stormwater infrastructure. Landscape and Urban Planning 240:104905

 

Knapp, R. A., M. B. Joseph, T. C. Smith,E. E. Hegeman, V. T. Vredenburg, J. E. E. Jr, D. M. Boiano, A. J. Jani, and C. J. Briggs. 2022. Effectiveness of antifungal treatments during chytridiomycosis epizootics in populations of an endangered frog. PeerJ 10:e12712.

 

Farnsworth, M. L., B. G. Dickson, L. J. Zachmann,E. E. Hegeman, A. R. Cangelosi, T. G. Jackson Jr, and A. F. Scheib. 2015. Short-term space-use patterns of translocated MojaveDeserttortoise in southern California. PloS one10(9):e0134250.

 

Hegeman, E. E., B. G. Dickson, and L. J. Zachmann. 2014. Probabilistic models of fire occurrence across National Park Service units within the Mojave Desert Network, USA. Landscape Ecology 29(9):1587–1600

 

Hegeman, E. E., S. W. Miller, and K. E. Mock. 2014. Modeling freshwater mussel distribution in relation to biotic and abiotic habitat variables at multiple spatial scales. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 71(10):1483–1497.

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R&D Field Biologist

B.S. Biology

Phone: (209) 353-2282

 

Ripon, California

Ethan has five years of experience collecting physical and biological data in California streams and rivers. In the field, Ethan works to collect physical data using various techniques including video monitoring, spawning surveys, fyke trapping, beach seining, PIT tagging, and invertebrate sampling. He has experience with fish handling, identification, and tagging, along with data QA/QC and entry. In the lab, he helps maintain lab equipment and identify macroinvertebrates. Ethan also assists in the fabrication and testing of sampling equipment.

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Fisheries Biologist

B.S. Marine Sciences. M.M.A. Marine & Environmental Affairs

 

Issaquah, Washington

Francesca has experience conducting, analyzing and reporting on habitat restoration, marine subtidal and intertidal ecological monitoring, and vulnerable or endangered species-specific surveys and habitat assessments. She is a trained AAUS scientific SCUBA diver and used this training to record long-term ecological data of invertebrate, algae, and fish species’ distribution and abundance, using a variety of survey techniques. Much of her past work involved marine tidal surveys, species identification, water quality monitoring, microscopic larvae identification, boat and scientific instrument deployment and operation, and eelgrass habitat restoration and monitoring. Francesca’s Master’s involved a vast literature review of global fisheries to identify metrics and indicators from implemented fishery area-based management tools that resulted in positive biodiversity outcomes for ecosystems. Francesca enjoys being out in the field, using R and Excel to answer ecological questions, and applying an environmental policy lens.

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GIS Analyst

M.Sc. Wetland Geography

 

Issaquah, Washington

Ian is a GIS Analyst with a wide range of expertise using geospatial technologies to monitor riverine and wetland environments. Ian has experience using multi-type remote sensing to classify flood waters in synergy with digital elevation models (DEMs) to derive flood water depth maps. His previous experience also includes using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to monitor the changes of morphological features in wetland environments. Ian has experience using ecological modeling to evaluate the response of invasive carp species to various control methods. His field experience ranges from work collecting data points with high precision GPS to the removal of invasive vegetation as a restoration technician.

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Fisheries Biologist II

B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Minor Biology; M.S. Natural Resources with a Concentration in Fisheries

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon

Jason Shaffer is a fisheries biologist with nearly a decade of experience conducting a variety of research and monitoring projects. At Cramer Fish Sciences, he manages a study examining the use of potential habitat breaks for delimiting the upstream extent of fish habitats, which will influence forested landscapes throughout Washington state. Jason brings expertise in both conventional fisheries sampling techniques including snorkeling, downstream migrant trapping, seining, gillnetting, spawning surveys. His breadth of expertise also encompasses using cutting-edge technology like electrofishing, SONAR, acoustic telemetry, eDNA, and artificial intelligence. He is skilled in sampling theory, statistical modeling in both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks, data visualization, and geographic information systems.

Selected Publications

 

Shaffer, J.T., A.P. Kinziger, E.P. Bjorkstedt, and A. Buchheister. 2024. Comparison of environmental DNA and underwater visual count surveys for detecting juvenile Coho Salmon in small rivers. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 44(2):449–462.

 

Kinziger, A.P., Bjorkstedt, E.P., Buchheister, A., Henderson, M., Bandy, G., Herman, B., Shaffer, J.T. 2023. Standardizing environmental DNA methodologies for coho salmon.  https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/5-task-3697-final-report-a11y.pdf

R&D Fabrication Manager

B.S. Environmental Management and Protection, Natural Resource Planning

Phone: (209) 353-2234

 

Ripon, California

Kyle works to collect, analyze, and enter physical and biological data, monitor restoration construction activities, assist in the fabrication of sampling equipment, and contribute to technical reports. He has extensive experience in fish identification, monitoring, sampling, handling, tagging, and tracking techniques in California’s freshwater systems. Kyle is also well versed in working with construction companies during restoration projects, including assisting in permit compliance, habitat rehabilitation efforts, and wildlife monitoring.

Selected publications

 

Anderson, J. T., G. Schumer, P. J. Anders, K. Horvath, and J. E. Merz. 2018. Confirmed observation: a North American green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris recorded in the Stanislaus River, California. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9(2):624-630.

 

Anderson, J., J. Sweeney, T. Hinkelman, K. Horvath and J. Merz. 2016. Juvenile salmonid outmigration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

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Fisheries Biologist II

M.S. Biology

 

West Sacramento, California

Lis is a fish biologist with eight years of experience working in a diverse array of ecosystems. While she has primarily worked with salmonids in Washington and Alaska, she also has experience working with native fishes in southern Utah, sea turtles in Texas, and black bears in Yosemite, to name a few. She has developed protocols for sampling efforts related to fish passage and trapping efficiency, including spawning surveys and fish collection efforts. She has experience with a large number of sampling and monitoring techniques, including seining, electrofishing, downstream and upstream migrant trapping, carcass and redd surveys, gill netting, radio, acoustic, and PIT tag technology, macroinvertebrate sampling, stream morphology assessments. She has also worked extensively with threatened and endangered species.

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Fisheries Biologist II

B.S. Biology; M.S. Natural Resource and Ecology Management

 

West Sacramento, California

Maeghen is a fisheries biologist with experience in both freshwater and estuarine fish research including abundance estimation, occupancy relationships, mark-and-recapture, and life history studies. She recently served as an inshore fisheries biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Marine Resources Research Institute where she conducted long-term population monitoring of freshwater and estuarine finfish, sharks, turtles, and marine mammals. She has diverse field survey experience including snorkel, eDNA, radio-telemetry tracking, electrofishing, seine net, trammel net, gill net, longline, drumline, and trawl gears. She is an experienced boat operator in rivers, deltas, bays, and nearshore waters. Additionally, she is experienced in laboratory techniques including otolith, fin-ray, microplastics, and histological sample processing and staging. Maeghen also has experience managing and analyzing fisheries abundance, occupancy, life history, and hierarchical data using RStudio, SAS, and JAGS programs. During her graduate career, she developed protocols and led research on Prairie Chub abundance and life history relationships in the Red River basin of Texas and Oklahoma.

Selected Publications

Steffensmeier, Z. D., S. K. Brewer, M. M. Wedgeworth, T. A. Starks, A. W. Rodger, E. Nguyen, and J. S. Perkin. In press. Conservation at the Nexus of Niches: Multidimensional Niche Modelling to Improve Management of Prairie Chub (Machrybopsis australis). North American Journal of Fisheries Management.

 

Steffensmeier, Z. D., M. M. Wedgeworth, L. Yancy, N. Santee, S. K. Brewer, and J. S. Perkin. 2022. Paradigm versus paradox on the prairie: testing competing stream fish movement frameworks using an imperiled Great Plains minnow. Movement ecology 10(1):1-18.

 

Wedgeworth, M. M., R. Mollenhauer, and S. K. Brewer. In press. Variation in Prairie Chub hatch relationships across wet and dry years in the upper Red River basin. North American Journal of Fisheries Management.

 

Steffensmeier, Z.D., M.M. Wedgeworth, L. Yancy, N. Santee, S. K. Brewer, and J. S. Perkin. 2022. Paradigm versus paradox on the prairie: testing competing stream fish movement frameworks using an imperiled Great Plains minnow. Movement ecology 10:1-18.

 

Mollenhauer, R., S. K. Brewer, J. S. Perkin, D. Swedberg, M. M. Wedgeworth, and Z. D. Steffensmeier. 2021. Connectivity and flow regime direct conservation priorities for pelagophil fishes. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 31: 3215-3227.

 

Wedgeworth, M. M., 2021. “Variation in Abundance and Hatch Date of Prairie Chub Machrybopsis australis in the upper Red River Basin.” Thesis dissertation. Oklahoma State University.

 

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R&D Field Biologist

B.S. Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Matthew has experience working in both marine and freshwater fisheries in California with governmental and private agencies. In the field, Matthew works to collect physical and biological data using various techniques including beach seining, fyke trapping, macroinvertebrate sampling, and snorkeling. He has experience with fish handling and identification along with data entry and QA/QC.

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Fisheries Biologist
B.S. Aquatic & Fisheries Sciences
Phone: (206) 960-4008

 

Issaquah, Washington

Melinda has experience in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska collecting and analyzing fisheries and aquatic habitat data. Prior to joining CFS, Melinda evaluated sockeye mortality in Alaska and the effects of restoration on juvenile salmon densities as part of NOAA’s Strait of Juan de Fuca Intensively Monitored Watershed project. Melinda helps to collect data for habitat assessments and restoration monitoring programs by performing bathymetric, habitat, wood, and riparian surveys. She is skilled in boat and beach seining, eDNA sampling, and collecting physical samples from salmon (otoliths, gastric lavage). At CFS, Melinda conducts literature reviews, helps collect, QA/QC, and summarize field data in maps and figures, and assists with technical reports.

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GIS Analyst
B.S. Wildlife Resources
Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Boise, Idaho

Michael is a GIS Analyst with experience in spatial analysis model development, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) operations, and salmonid monitoring. Michael has experience gathering and compiling spatial and remote sensing data from multiple sources and conducting GIS analysis to support watershed assessments, restoration effectiveness monitoring, low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) designs, conservation planning, and habitat assessments. He is skilled in creating GIS databases and maps of study areas and analytical results. Michael has experience collecting and compiling both GIS and ecological data in the field. He has summarized, tabulated, and written survey reports. He is a licensed sUAS pilot and has experience piloting missions over the Pacific Northwest’s forests, mountains, rivers, and streams to produce orthomosaic imagery and digital elevation models. He has conducted salmonid carcass and redd surveys, rotary screw trapping, PIT tagging, electrofishing, weir operation, mammalian surveys, and avian surveys. Michael is skilled in the esophageal implantation of acoustic tags and monitoring the migration of O. mykiss and O. tshawytscha using telemetry equipment. Michael previously served as a fisheries technician for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game where he installed and operated a rotary screw trap and several weirs to monitor remote populations of O. mykiss and O. tshawytscha in the Red River and Crooked River. Michael draws from his experience to leverage spatial data for novel approaches to river restoration and assessment.

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Fisheries Biologist II
B.S. Environmental Science & Management; M.S. Ecology
Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Mollie is a fisheries biologist with extensive experience in fish monitoring and surveying across the Central Valley and northern California, including PIT tagging, backpack electrofishing, and installation and operation of rotary screw traps, fyke traps, and PIT tag antenna arrays. In addition, she has experience in macroinvertebrate and zooplankton collection in freshwater rivers and streams throughout California and collecting field data from rafts and other inflatables. Mollie recently served as the lead field biologist to monitor fish utilization of floodplains in the Central Valley as well as collection of zooplankton and water samples from reservoirs and rivers in the Lake Shasta area of California. Additionally, she oversaw the laboratory processing and analysis of juvenile Chinook Salmon and stomach contents identification for determination of diet and growth in different habitats throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and Estuary. Mollie has experience with numerous technical laboratory methods, including fish tissue dissection, macroinvertebrate identification, and tissue preparation for isotopic analysis. Throughout her fisheries career, Mollie has led backpack electrofishing surveys, rotary screw trapping, beach seining, fyke trapping, gillnetting, and macroinvertebrate and zooplankton collection throughout California. She is an expert at identifying California’s diverse freshwater fishes, as well as being as experienced boat operator in lakes, rivers, and deltas. Mollie also has extensive experience in analyzing fisheries diet and growth data and using linear models to explore migration cues.

Selected Publications

 

Ogaz, M.H, Rypel, A. L., Moyle, P. B., Lusardi, R. A, and Jeffres, C.A. Should they stay or should they go: Do behavioral cues enable native fishes to exit a California floodplain? [Manuscript submitted for publication].

 

Sturrock, A.M., Ogaz, M.H., Neal, K., Corline, N.J., Peek, R., Myers, D., Schluep, S., Levinson, M., Johnson, R.C., and Jeffres, C.A. 2022. Floodplain trophic subsidies in a modified river network: Managed foodscapes of the future? [Manuscript submitted for publication].

 

Ogaz, M.H., Moyle, P.B., Lusardi, R.A., and Rypel, A.L. 2020. Habitat Utilization and Outmigration Dynamics of Fishes on a Restored Floodplain in California’s Central Valley [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of California, Davis.

 

Jeffres, C.A., Holmes, E., Ogaz, M.H., Saron, G., Tilcok, M, Montgomery, J., and Katz, J. 2017. Fish Food on Floodplain Farm Fields: Report of the 2017 Pilot Year Investigations.

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Fisheries Biologist II

M.S. Fisheries and Aquatic Science

 

Boise, Idaho

Nicole Farless is a stream ecologist with experience in flow regime analysis, aquatic habitat surveys, fish community sampling, and two-dimensional hydraulic modeling. Nicole has years of experience studying the impacts of hydropeaking on downstream communities and habitat. Her work focuses on mitigating the impacts to fish and macroinvertebrate communities through improving available habitat, water quality, sediment regime, and flow connectivity. She has experience measuring discharge, bathymetry, and water surface elevation using global positioning system (GPS) equipment and geographic information systems (GIS) to plot and analyze the data. She also has experience conducting gravel augmentations to improve stream habitat and tracking substrate movement using passive integrative transponder (PIT) tags. Nicole received her M.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from Oklahoma State University. For her thesis, she determined the thermal tolerance of fishes occupying spring-fed and non-spring fed stream systems and developed flow ecology relationships for fish species associated with various trophic and reproductive guilds.

Selected Publications and Reports

 

Starnes V., N. Farless, R. O’Hearn. 2023. Niangua River System Water Quality Alterations. Missouri Department of Conservation. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Project F-55-R-5; F21AF02257.

 

Farless N. and V. Starnes. 2022. Niangua River System Flow Fluctuations. Missouri Department of Conservation. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Project F-55-R-5; F21AF02257.

 

Farless N. and B. Landwer. 2020. Lower Osage River Habitat and Fish Community Evaluation. Missouri Department of Conservation. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Project; F11AF00170.

 

Farless N., E. Baebler, B. Landwer, D. Lobb. 2018. Evaluation of Habitat for Mussels and Their Fish Hosts in the Lower Osage River. Missouri Department of Conservation. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Project; F11AC01144.

 

Worthington T., A. Echelle, J. Perkin, R. Mollenhauer, N. Farless, J. Dyer, and S. Brewer. 2018. The Emblematic Minnows of the North American Great Plains: A Synthesis of Threats and Conservation Opportunities. Fish and Fisheries 19:271–307.

 

Farless N., and S. Brewer. 2017. Thermal Tolerances of Fishes Occupying Groundwater and Surface-Water Dominated Streams. Freshwater Science 36:866–876.

 

Worthington T., S. Brewer, N. Farless, T. Grabowski, M. Gregory. 2014. Interacting Effects of Discharge and Channel Morphology on Transport of Semibuoyant Fish Eggs in Large, Altered River Systems. PLoS ONE 9:1–9.

 

Worthington T., S. Brewer, N. Farless. 2013. Spatial and Temporal Variation in Efficiency of the Moore Egg Collector. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:1113–1118.

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Fisheries Biologist
B. S. Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Phone: (425) 275-9397

 

Issaquah, Washington

Pryclynn has extensive field experience performing habitat assessments and assessing restoration across Washington and Oregon. She is skilled in a variety of protocols (AEM, CHaMP, and USFS Level II), and survey techniques, including habitat and bathymetry mapping using an RTK GPS, snorkel surveys, macroinvertebrate collection, and longitudinal profile surveys. She also has experience in writing technical reports, SEPA and NEPA Environmental Impact Statements, and Habitat Conservation Plans. At CFS, Pryclynn contributes to multiple projects by performing literature reviews, data collection, QA/QC, data analysis, and mapping in GIS.

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Data Steward I

B.S. Applied Mathematics

 

West Sacramento, California

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GIS Technician I
B.S. Geography
Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Boise, Idaho

Liz Hansen is a GIS Technician with a background in mapping systems, natural resource research and management, and small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) operations. Her combination of field experience and technical proficiency enables her to integrate practical environmental knowledge with advanced geospatial analysis to contribute valuable insights for river system analysis and restoration projects. Specifically, Liz’s field work experience involves plant identification, habitat analysis, and data collection using methods such as electrofishing, GPS, and drone surveying. She has contributed to studies on the Utah fish population densities, trout otolith and carp spine aging surveys, and the management of the threatened June sucker (Chasmistes liorus). Liz has used both ArcGIS and QGIS to analyze habitat suitability, track aquatic invasive species, delineate watersheds, and to support habitat monitoring surveys. She is also a licensed sUAS pilot and has experience conducting drone surveys over varied terrain to monitor rare plants and vegetation conditions. Liz draws from her experiences working in natural resources to assist in the analysis and restoration of river systems.

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Senior Biological Technician

B.S. Biological Sciences

 

West Sacramento, California

Mitch is skilled at working in California freshwater and estuarine environments using a wide variety of sampling techniques, such as beach seining, fyke trapping, hoop trapping, and electrofishing. He has fish handling, identification, and tagging skills, and is also experienced in processing macroinvertebrate samples in the laboratory. Mitch has assisted in the conduction of laboratory experiments involving juvenile Chinook Salmon and Green Sturgeon metabolism and is also skilled in the care of captive fishes. He has experience working as a crew member aboard research vessels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Estuary collecting water quality and zooplankton samples. Mr. Gladding also has experience conducting population surveys for salmonid, reptile, and amphibian species, while navigating challenging terrain in the Upper American River Watershed. He is also experienced in deployment and recovery of environmental loggers in remote areas. Mitch works extensively with CFS staff on restoration monitoring and PIT tag mark-recapture studies in the lower reaches of the American and Yuba rivers. He is experienced in reviewing video recordings from the Sampling Platform and has supported the CFS team in the construction of resistance board weirs. He is also skilled in navigating swift water on foot or using non-motorized craft.

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Biological Technician II

B.S. Freshwater Fisheries Biology

 

Ripon, California

Natasha is a biological technician experienced in fish and wildlife surveying across the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, and Pacific Northwest. Natasha possesses an A.S. in Water Resource Management and is a Certified California Naturalist. She brings immense training in species identification, ecological conservation, and various capture methods such as electrofishing, hook-and-line, minnow traps, seine nets, weirs, screw traps, and trawling. Natasha also has hands on experience with PIT tags, fin clips, floy tags, and dye marking for population monitoring and otolith analysis as well as scale aging, fish diet composition, and macroinvertebrate community structures. In addition, Natasha specializes in aquatic system plumbing, construction, and maintenance, biosecurity measures, fish spawning, husbandry, and incubation management.

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Senior Biological Technician

M.S. Biological Sciences, B.S. Zoology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon

 

Rahul Rai is a biological technician who is skilled in biological and fisheries management activities including standard field sampling, data collection, analysis and scientific report writing. His work focuses on understanding anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems and providing sustainable solutions. Rahul has extensive field and project management experience using different net settings, electrofishing, eDNA, otolith aging, boat operations, public interviews and analytical tools such as Excel, R and GIS. Prior to joining Cramer Fish Sciences, he worked on comprehensive state annual lake surveys and aquatic invasive species data collection with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. His graduate research studied how artificial dams and reservoirs impact freshwater fish populations.

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Biological Technician II

B.S., Biology concentrated towards Marine Biology

 

West Sacramento, California

Taylor is experienced in monitoring and surveying anadromous fish species in the Central Valley and Sacramento River watershed. She examined the distribution, abundance, and population trends of Central Valley steelhead trout in the Sacramento River watershed by using mark-recapture methods with large-wire fyke traps on motorized watercraft. She has experience handling, anesthetizing, tagging, and collecting biological samples from adult steelhead trout. While working at a dam on the Snake River, she performed Gas Bubble Trauma exams, while also participating in collecting, sorting, and sampling juvenile anadromous fish. She is skilled in making standardized observations such as species identification, length, age, signs of diseases or pathogens, and collecting fin clips or tagging fish. In addition, Taylor also has over two years of experience working in a water toxicity lab where she conducted Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing, Toxicity Identification/Reduction Evaluations (TIE/TRE), water quality criteria development, and Water-Effect Ratio (WER) studies. At CFS, she assists with macroinvertebrate identification, snorkel surveys on the Lower American River, and running a screw trap on the Stanislaus River. Taylor also has professional experience working with marine species. She previously worked in the Florida Keys where she helped college students gain hands on experience with long lines and tangle nets, while tagging and releasing various elasmobranch species in the Gulf of Mexico. She has experience conducting Aquatic Nuisance surveys using standardized scientific protocols in various waters throughout Colorado where she monitored and mapped zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snails, and Eurasian watermilfoil.

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Senior R&D Biological Technician

B.S. Marine Biology

 

West Sacramento, California

 

Tyler Brownell is a Senior Biological Technician with over a decade of extensive experience in fish population surveys and hatchery operations. His skills encompass boat operations for seining, snorkeling, and sampling across river and open ocean environments. Tyler has served as a field lead for creel surveys, monitoring angler effort and fish tagging in California’s Central Valley. Well-versed in all aspects of White Sturgeon husbandry, including spawning, tagging, egg evaluation, and machinery operation, his core fisheries background is complemented by diverse talents in fabrication, ranch operations, livestock management, plumbing, and electrical work. With his broad knowledge and hands-on experience, Tyler is an invaluable asset in both field and operational capacities.

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Technical Writer I/Proposal Coordinator

B.A. in Journalism and Media Production

 

Portland, Oregon

 

Lauren Ellenbecker is a journalist who shares stories about the Pacific Northwest’s environmental intricacies, how degradation manifests within its landscapes, who is impacted and what is being done about it. Lauren’s reporting has brought her to scorched old growth forests, rivers altered by antiquated logging operations and the dining table of a homeowner who fears their life will be swept away in a flood. These experiences contain multitudes of personal, scientific and thought-provoking tales, all of which converge with the perseverance, recovery and transformation of both humans and the environment. Now, Lauren continues to expand her knowledge but from a different angle: working alongside those moving the needle in ecosystem research and recovery. She supports the Cramer Fish Sciences team by preparing, executing and delivering proposals so they can find steadfast solutions for fish populations across the Pacific Northwest. Lauren continues to write often, whether it’s compiling a proposal, freelancing or weaving together a poem about the wonders of nature.

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Administrative & Payroll Specialist

Phone: (206) 960-4616

 

Issaquah, Washington

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Business Operations Specialist

B.S.

Phone: (503) 213-4628

 

Portland, Oregon

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Senior Accountant

B.S. Accounting, M.B.A. Finance

Phone: (503) 491-9577

 

Portland, Oregon

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Senior Billings & Contracts Administrator

B.S.

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon

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Human Resources Manager

B.A.

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon

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Office Manager

Phone: 916-237-0907

West Sacramento, California

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Accounts Payable Specialist

Portland, Oregon

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