Graduate Student Spotlight: Tyler Coleman
Department: Watershed Sciences
College: Quinney College of Natural Resources
Degree: Masters of Ecological Restoration
Research project: Establishing a baseline to assess impact of restoration actions reconnecting Bear Lake tributaries to increase resilience and abundance of native fishes
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Timothy Walsworth
Why did you choose this research project?
As an intern and technician for Trout Unlimited I was introduced to North Eden Creek and fascinated by its history and the resilience of the relic population of cutthroat trout in its headwaters. Even with everything you could imagine thrown at these fish after European settlement, they have survived our impact to North Eden Canyon. Reconnecting the creek to Bear Lake for upstream passage of Bear Lake Cutthroat trout after over 80 years of it being disconnected is a big win for conservation and our project will provide a way to determine and quantify the ecological outcome of that reconnection as well as future restoration action.
What motivates you to study your area of research?
Growing up I took advantage of any chance there was to get out fishing and that love of catching fish developed into a passion for native trout species. As I researched and learned about all of the incredible native fish we have in the west, it fueled my desire to share that information and dedicate my career to helping to protect them and the places they live. My hope is that future generations can have the chance to experience our native trout species in person rather than just reading about what they once were in books.
What do you want to do after you earn your degree?
My time spent at USU earning not only my undergraduate and graduate degree, as well as career related experiences I took advantage of outside the classroom have supported me earning a position with Trout Unlimited as the Lower Bear River Project Manager.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about choosing your field of study?
One of the first pieces of advice I got when I started my undergraduate degree was to get involved outside of the classroom as much as possible. Seek out paid internships, volunteer with graduate projects and for state or federal agencies, join and participate in collegiate clubs or local conservation groups of your career field interest and when you show up, be the most humble and hardest working person there. Not only will this help you solidify your interest in a career path as you graduate, it also helps you establish contacts, friendships and develop a passion of natural resources stewardship for the rest of your life.