PEOPLE
Zach Klein
Assistant 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.
Breanna Graves
I grew up in eastern Washington and received my B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Idaho. Prior to my graduate research, I worked as a fisheries technician monitoring anadromous and resident fish populations for various state and private agencies throughout Idaho and Washington. My current research focuses on evaluating the reproductive success of YY Brook Trout in northern New Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, fishing, and reading.
William Bass
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Auburn University. Before starting graduate school, I worked as a fisheries technician on projects in Alaska, Idaho, and Florida. My research is focused on understanding the potential influence of hybrid Striped Bass on the fish assemblage of Caballo Reservoir, New Mexico. In my spare time, I enjoy running, mountain biking, hiking, and most other outdoor activities.
Maret Smith-Miller
I grew up in New York City and completed a B.A. in Integrated Environmental Science at Colorado College. Prior to my graduate research, I worked as a Fisheries Technician with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District and as a Scientific Aide with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Currently, I am researching population dynamics and life-history characteristics of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in the upper Rio Costilla watershed, New Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy trail running, jumping into bodies of water, and learning new skills such as baking or slacklining.
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: Fisheries Research Technician, Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife
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