My goal with graduate education is to create highly competent fisheries biologists that have the ecological background, confidence, and training to effectively manage and conserve fish.  As such, I expect my students to develop the technical, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary for their professional success.  In an effort to provide my students with an environment that fosters the development of the above skills, I ensure each of my students receives the following resources.

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• Full funding  

• A competitive stipend 

• An office and computer

• Travel to regional and national meetings

• An ever-growing network of fisheries professionals

• My commitment to their professional success

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Although the above resources will afford students the opportunity to succeed, success in graduate school is ultimately the student's responsibility and is contingent on consistent dedication.  In my experience, dedication generally manifests as effort in the field, lab, and at a desk.  As such, I expect students to work at least 40 hrs a week or until milestones are met.  Some of my general milestones include:

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• Research proposal

  • Every student must complete a research proposal by the end of their first semester.  

• Quarterly reports

  • My students practice technical writing while informing collaborators of project progress through the completion of quarterly reports.  Reports generally include research objective(s), recent accomplishments, and future goals.    ​

• Presentations

  • As oral communication is a critical skill for all scientists, my students are expected to present their research early and often.  ​

• Publications​

  • The scientific method is not complete until research findings have been disseminated.  Therefore, I expect my students to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals. 

 

In addition to the above milestones, I expect my students to be active in professional organizations such as the American Fisheries Society.  Involvement in professional organizations affords students the opportunity to commit themselves to something larger than their own success and helps promote a sense of community.  In addition, professional organizations allow individuals the chance to network with other fisheries professional and learn about the science surrounding fish and fisheries.