PEOPLE
Zach Klein
Associate Professor
zklein@nmsu.edu
575-646-3719
Curriculum Vitae
I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, to study Marine Biology. I quickly learned that redheads are not made for long days in the salt and sun and pursued freshwater fish ecology. I obtained my M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Idaho. When I am not studying fish, I enjoy most outdoor pursuits, namely fishing and hunting.
Natalia Hincks (M.S. student)
I am from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and obtained a B.S. in Marine Science at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. I worked as a fisheries technician for Idaho Fish and Game from 2019 to 2025. During my M.S., I will be evaluating habitat use and movement dynamics of YY Brook Trout in the four drainages in New Mexico. I like to spend my free time fishing, hiking, hunting, and creating art through various mediums.
Jacob Falls (M.S. student)
I am from Homedale, Idaho, and have a B.S. in Fisheries from the University of Idaho. Before coming to NMSU, I worked as a fisheries technician for Idaho Department of Fish and Game. My research is focused on the population dynamics and interactions between Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in the San Juan River. I spend my free time fishing, hiking, playing sports, and occasionally riding bulls.
Evan Torres (M.S. student)
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and earned a B.S. in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology from New Mexico State University. I previously worked as a fisheries technician for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. My current research focuses on the potential for co-management with Roundtail Chub and Yellow Perch in Munoz Flats ponds. When I am not squeezing fish, I enjoy spending time outdoors hunting, backpacking, and fly fishing.
James Miazga (jim.miazga@ks.gov)
University of Wisconsin, Stevens-Point (B.S. Natural Resources), 2016
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2022
Thesis title: Crappie population dynamics in Kansas impoundments: an evaluation of harvest-oriented fisheries
Current position: District Fisheries Biologist, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
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John Smith, Jr. (john.smith@dgf.nm.gov)
Emporia State University (B.S. Biology), 2020
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2023
Thesis title: Evaluation of sampling designs for the long-term monitoring of crayfish in lentic and lotic systems
Current position: Coldwater Fisheries Biologist, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
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Michael Miller (michael.miller@ct.gov)
Colorado State University (B.S. Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology), 2020
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2023
Thesis title: Population dynamics and movement patterns of Myy Brook Trout in northern New Mexico
Current position: Fisheries Biologist, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
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Giulio Del Piccolo (giulio.delpiccolo@state.co.us)
Colorado State University (B.S. Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology), 2017
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2023
Thesis title: Habitat use, movement, and population viability of Chihuahua Chub in the Mimbres River, New Mexico
Current position: Area 16 Aquatic Biologist, Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife
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Maret Smith-Miller (maret.smithmiller@maine.gov)
Colorado College (B.A. Integrated Environmental Science), 2019
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2024
Thesis title: Population dynamics, habitat use, and life-history characteristics of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in the upper Costilla Watershed, New Mexico
Current position: Sea-Run Fisheries Management Coordinator, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
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William Bass, IV (will.bass@avistacorp.com)
Auburn University (B.S. Environmental Science), 2020
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2025
Thesis title: Diet characteristics and factors influencing growth of three piscivores in a Southwestern reservoir
Current position: Fisheries Biologist, Avista Power
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Breanna Graves (breanna.graves@scc.spokane.edu)
University of Idaho (B.S. Conservation Ecology), 2020
New Mexico State University (M.S. Fisheries Science), 2025
Thesis title: Evaluating the influence of the reproductive success of Myy Brook Trout on the Trojan Y-Chromosome approach
Current position: Instructor, Spokane Community College
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Kadie Heinle (kbheinle@nmsu.edu)
Post-doctoral Research Associate, 2025 - 2026
Research: YY investigations for the benefit of species of greatest conservation concern
Current position: GIS Specialist, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
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