Return to Fisheries and Wildlife Mentorship Program Homepage
- Read each Message to Prospective Mentees section carefully before applying.
- To apply and be matched with a mentor, please use the Undergraduate Application.
- Please Note: Some prospective mentors are advertising research opportunities (Prospective Mentors — Research), whereas others can only offer career advice and aid in the development of professional tools (Prospective Mentors — Non-Research).
Prospective Mentors — Research
These mentors are actively seeking undergraduates to assist with new and ongoing research activities. These mentors can also assist with the development of professional tools (e.g., CV, resume, application materials) and provide career advice.
Olivia Boisen
Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center (field sites Newport and Coos Bay)
Research interests: My research focuses on assessing eelgrass restorations in Oregon from the perspective of fish and invertebrate communities. Eelgrass serves as important habitat for a variety of fish and crab species and we seek to evaluate if restored eelgrass beds are functionally equivalent to reference meadows.
Position description: My field season is year-round with week-long trips to Coos Bay during the spring tides each month. The fieldwork would include boating to our sites in the estuary, trapping fish and crabs, taking sediment cores, and identifying/measuring the animals. There are some opportunities to help with lab work including sorting sediment cores, dissecting and performing bomb calorimetry on juvenile rockfishes, and using a sediment grain size analyzer. Most of this work will be in Coos Bay and Newport, with the option to use the lab space in Corvallis when trained. Currently, this would be a volunteer opportunity but my hope is to guide you through applying for funding (scholarships, research awards, etc.) as this would greatly benefit your future career. Meals and lodging in Coos Bay is provided. Please contact me if you are interested!
Jessica Schulte
Location(s): Hatfield Marine Science Center
Research topics: Shark, foraging ecology, stomach contents
Research interests: My research focuses on the broader ecosystem impact of sharks in the Pacific Northwest. I am studying the movement and foraging ecology of the broadnose sevengill shark, looking into where they go and what they eat (and what that means for our broader PNW fisheries!).
Position description: I am seeking a student who can help me go through my already-collected shark stomach contents. This would involve coming out 1-2 times a week for 4-8 hours a day to Hatfield to process samples in the lab (thawing, weighing, identifying to species). This is a volunteer position, and the student would need to figure out their own transportation to Hatfield (carpool and/or public transportation are available); I am also willing to work with the student to apply for FWUMP funds to cover students gas money. While this is currently a volunteer opportunity, I am also happy to work with you to apply for funding opportunities (fellowships, research awards, etc.) as well as talk about graduate school life, if you are interested! No experience is needed, but a general curiosity, attention to detail, and (maybe) being unbothered by bad smells would help :)
Iva Sokolovska
Location(s): Corvallis or eCampus
Research topics: social science, cognitive maps, conservation policy, local populations
Research interests: I’m a graduate student based in Corvallis at the OSU campus, though I’m also happy to work with a student remotely. My thesis focuses on examining wildlife and conservation beliefs and attitudes among different groups of Oregonians and comparing those perspectives to state-level policymaking.
Position description: This project would be a great fit for a student interested in the social science and policy dimensions of fisheries, wildlife, and conservation. The mentee’s responsibilities will include taking notes during cognitive mapping exercises, potentially transcribing interviews, and analyzing qualitative data with my guidance. I’ll provide step-by-step instruction throughout the process. The work is expected to take 10–15 hours per week, beginning at the start of Winter term. The student will also have the opportunity to join meetings with ODFW researchers to discuss research progress and next steps.
Prospective Mentors — Non-research
These mentors do not have research opportunities but are available to provide assistance with the development of professional tools (e.g., CV, resume, application materials) and career advice.
Nolan Clements
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Research topics: ornithology, community ecology, migration ecology, long-term change, tropical ecology
Research interests: I am a PhD student in the Robinson lab, where my research is focused on long-term community change in tropical forest bird communities. My work investigates potential physiological drivers of persistence in isolated forest fragments and how that has shaped community composition on Barro Colorado Island in central Panama. More generally, I am bird obsessed and have a fair amount of insight into the happenings of the ornithological community. My training is in field techniques, including bird identification, point count surveys, and banding. I also spend a lot of my free time recreationally birding.
Prospective Mentees: I do not currently have any research opportunities, but would happily advise on early steps in ornithology, including field job applications, professional and grad school advice, and CV/resume support. I'm looking to work with highly motivated and excited people interested in birds. It is possible a opportunity may open within the next year or so, but I cannot guarantee anything. Those interested in working together should indicate birds as their primary interest and general motivations for seeking a graduate mentor!
Stephen Bunnell
Location: Accepting Corvallis and ecampus students
Research topics: Career advising, rangeland ecology, community ecology, pyroecology, bat landscape ecology
Research interests: I'm interested in rangeland ecology as it relates to wildfire and invasive species, and I have extensive background and interest in bat population dynamics and ecology. I'm currently looking into the effects of herbicide and seeding treatments on fire behavior and reduction of invasive annual grasses.
Prospective Mentees: There isn't any help I need specifically for my work right now. However, I am interested in supplying CV, resume, cover letter, and other types of career support. However, it will open the door to more opportunities in the lab.
Lara Mengak
Location: Accepting Corvallis and ecampus students
Research topics: human dimensions/conservation social science, social-ecological systems, human-wildlife interactions, large mammal conservation
Research interests: I am a social scientist with experience studying both people and wildlife. I have worked on various projects around the country with some international experience, studying birds, large and small mammals, and human behavior. Currently, my PhD research focuses on understanding social and ecological stress factors impacting ranchers in the Pacific Northwest. I'm interested in understanding how humans and wildlife interact and coexist within working landscapes.
Prospective Mentees: I may have research opportunities in the future, but for right now, I'm happy to mentor an undergraduate in career pathways in the wildlife and conservation social sciences. After completing my Masters, I worked as a wildlife biologist for a state agency and as a research associate and program manager before returning to school for my Ph.D. I have worked on many different kinds of species from small mammals to birds to people. I'm happy to provide advice on career opportunities, CV/resume writing, finding internships, etc.
Morgan Johnston
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: Rockfish, population modeling, spatial modeling, professional development, professional conferences
Research interests: I finished my undergraduate degree way back in 2015 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I primarily studied bird behavior. Since then I worked as a field technician across Nevada, Oregon, California, Washington, and Texas studying a variety of taxa including birds, small mammals, and fish. Once I began my Masters at OSU in 2022, my research focus shifted to marine fishes and population/spatial dynamics. As a graduate student Mentor, my goal is to help undergraduate students navigate the transition from student to scientist. This path is different for everyone, and I hope to use the lessons I learned and pass that knowledge to others. Whether your interests are in studying birds or fish, I am happy to give professional guidance to anyone.
Currently Paired Mentors — Research
These mentors are currently paired with undergraduates but may have opportunities in the future.
Lara Mengak
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: human dimensions, human-wildlife coexistence, rangeland ecosystems, rural livelihoods
Research interests: I am a PhD student in the Levi lab, focusing on social and ecological threats facing ranchers and working lands in the Pacific Northwest. My research includes both ecological and social sciences to examine these threats. My ecological work uses novel genetic techniques to explore diet overlap between elk and cattle. My social science research focuses on rancher decision-making and risk assessments.
Position description: I am seeking an interested mentee to work on preparing a rancher survey. The mentee will learn about the process involving in drafting and mailing a survey. The tasks involved will need to be completed during the fall term. No previous experience is required, and all training will be provided! This position is not currently paid, and therefore, can be flexible to accommodate the student’s schedule. Future paid opportunities are available, as well.
Wave Moretto
Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center
Keywords: kelp forest ecology, marine fishes, trophic ecology, conservation biology, SCUBA
Research interests: My research examines the role that Oregon kelp forests play in sustaining nearshore fisheries. My goal is to use a combination of kelp forest community monitoring methods including diver surveys, eDNA collection, and stereo video analysis to understand how fish communities within Oregon kelp forests change seasonally and document the importance of kelp forests as crucial nursery habitat, particularly to groundfish species.
Position description: This project has ongoing components of both field and lab work! Monthly field work involves SCUBA diving from small boats in kelp forest locations along the Oregon coast to perform underwater surveys, collect fish, and obtain water samples- those interested in this component must be AAUS certified scientific divers (if this is something you’re interested in working towards we can discuss further). Lab components involve identifying stomach contents, prepping samples for genetic ID, stable isotope analysis, and eDNA analysis, and analyzing stereo video. Field work will take place in Newport, Coos Bay, and Port Orford (transportation and lodging provided) but I am based in Corvallis and lab work can take place in Corvallis or Newport. This would be a volunteer opportunity but I will provide guidance when applying to funding (scholarships, research awards, etc) and would love for students to develop their own projects based on this work that could turn into future presentations, senior theses, and/or publications down the road!
Lindsey Roberts
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: desert fishes, environmental DNA, endangered species management, conservation
Research interests: Currently my primary focus at Oregon State University is on developing an easily executed future management program for the endemic Independence Valley spemckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus) in Ralph’s Warm Spring, Nevada by investigating applications in environmental DNA (eDNA) methods. Having graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and spent many days on the Yampa and Green Rivers sampling various fish communities, I have always been interested in desert fishes, such as the R. o. lethoporus, and would love to continue conservation efforts for similarly imperiled airland fishes further in my career.
Position description: I am offering the opportunity for data entry/management experience for eDNA, water chemistry, and fish length/weight data with the potential opportunity for 2025 summer field work in Nevada for those who are looking for more field work experience (e.g. minnow trapping, visual implant elastomer (VIE) tagging, remote camping experience, collecting eDNA water samples in a wetland spring environment, and more!). Additionally, I would be happy to offer help crafting a resume, CV, cover letter, or providing early career advice based on personal experiences and interview prep tips for any fish, wildlife, and conservation student who is interested. This opportunity would be voluntary and can start right away (i.e. October 2024) for data entry or career advice with flexible time commitments and hours.
Currently Paired Prospective Mentors — Non-research
These mentors are currently paired with non-research mentees and provide assistance with the development of professional tools (e.g., CV, resume, application materials) and career advice. They may have opportunities to pair with additional mentees in the future.
Andrés Pinos-Sánchez
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: fisheries, fisheries economics, marine ecology in General, fisheries and trophic modeling, Ecuador and Galápagos' research.
Research interests: I am an international graduate student in the Master of Science program at Oregon State University (OSU). I am originally from Ecuador, where I completed my undergraduate degree in General Biology with a specialization in Marine Ecology and a sub-specialization in Economics at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). As part of my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad twice: first at the Galápagos Islands through the GAIAS program, and later at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). During my undergraduate studies, I participated in various published projects, spanning arachnid taxonomy, amphibian ecology, shark tagging, seafood forensics, non-native species cataloguing, and a wide range of ecological field surveys across the Galápagos, Ecuador's coast, rainforest, and Andean regions. For my undergraduate thesis, I conducted an "Economic Analysis of the Sea Cucumber Fishery in the Galápagos Islands." Currently, I am developing a multispecies mathematical model of kelp forest dynamics and trophic interactions to predict the outcomes of different management scenarios, including urchin culling, sea otter reintroduction, and kelp "reforestation."
Rebecca Kelble
Location(s): Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: greater sage-grouse, sagebrush, survival, habitat suitability, resume
Research interests: I have been working with the magnificent greater sage-grouse in the beautiful sagebrush steppe since 2016. This indicator and umbrella species allows me to explore questions about survival and habitat characteristics that lead to informed management recommendations for this unique ecosystem. I am available for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meetings during the academic year. Meeting time and place to be discussed. I have held 5 different temporary positions in 5 different states and ecosystems, managed a field research program with 10-12 field sites, hired over 150 technicians over 7 years, and started working towards a Master of Science degree. I have had some amazing mentors along the way, some of my favorites being graduate students. I am excited to pay it forward and help mentor the next generation of wildlife biologists.
Taylor Azizeh
Location(s): Hatfield Marine Science Center, Corvallis, eCampus
Keywords: wildlife, fellowships, bioenergetics, coding, resources
Research interests: My research interest in wildlife science spans both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Previously, I have studied ecotoxicology of bats in the Andes, the foraging ecology of emperor penguins, and now predator-prey dynamics in large whales. I am broadly interested in behavioral ecology, the effects of climate change or disturbance, and bioenergetics.
Opportunity: I am happy to provide advice on fellowship applications (Fulbright, NSF GRFP), edit CVs, or talk about navigating academia (especially regarding financial independence, LGBTQIA+ representation in STEM). Really - anything you need!