Maria is an M.S. student in the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Her current research aims to investigate the interactions between climate and land use on prairie fish assemblages.
Maria received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Saint Louis University in 2020, where she gained experience working in multiple research labs focused on hydrology and aquatic ecology. There she developed an interest in anthropogenic stressors and their influence on freshwater ecosystems. After graduating she gained experience working in Alaska, Nebraska, and Hawaii studying the impact of hatchery fish on wild salmon stocks, educating the public about intertidal zone species, monitoring water quality of municipalities, and connecting people to the outdoors through recreation.
Maria’s research is focused on identifying threshold responses in prairie fish assemblages to environmental gradients, specifically in the Niobrara River Basin. Her project is collaborative with another student at Texas Tech University who is focusing on the Red River in Texas expanding the geographic scope of the project.
Professional Preparations and Appointments
Education
2020: B.S., Environmental Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Professional Appointments
2024, Youth Program Coordinator, Sitka Trail Works
2023, Lead Guide, Sitka Sound Science Center
2023, Environmental Field Sampler, Midwest Laboratories
2022, Natural Resource Technician, Sitka National Historical Park
2017-2020 Laboratory Research Assistant, Environmental Geochemistry Lab, Saint Louis University