Ever since graduating in May of 2012, I have been busy in the working world. I began with the Fish and Boat Commission as a seasonal Fisheries Biologist Aide. U worked with hands on field data collection of warm water species such as Black Bass, Walleye and Catfish as well as processing data, aging scales, and conducting literature reviews. One of the big projects I completed was independent research into spawning temperature variation as a function of North/South location on the east coast. With this project I was able to predict the spawning date of bass from Florida to Canada as well as model the approximate size of yearling smallmouth bass at any given time, namely in Pennsylvania. This research will allow for more precise timing of any surveys on young-of-year smallmouth bass, which are used extensively statewide. In August of 2012, I left the Commission for a full-time position with the Lackawanna County Conservation District as their Chesapeake Bay Technician. My major duties are working directly with farmers and landowners to improve management practices to protect environmental health and the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. As part of this, I provide technical support for a no-till planting program, nutrient management program, soil health program, and hopefully in the near future will be getting involved with creation and improvement of fish and wildlife habitat along with the conservation and protection of farmland watersheds and important Pennsylvania habitat areas. I am excited to have the opportunity to make a difference in conservation, and I know that my experience at Penn State and with clubs and organizations such as the Wildlife Society have helped me make my dream a reality!
