The Fisheries Podcast

In this episode, Conrad sits down with Florida State University PhD candidate Emma Jackson to discuss her journey from growing up in St. Louis to becoming a shark researcher working along Florida’s Gulf Coast and in the deep sea. Emma shares how the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship helped confirm that shark research was the career path she wanted and introduced her to the balance of fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration involved in marine science. She also discusses her current research on large fish and shark communities, as well as the development of DODAT—Dietary Observation and Detection Assessment Technology—a patent-pending method designed to improve how scientists study shark diets. Along the way, Emma offers advice for students interested in graduate school, scholarships, networking, mentorship, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The episode also explores the realities of fieldwork, the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, and Emma’s goal of using innovative research to better inform shark conservation and management.
Contact Emaa:
Instagram: Em.Jacks 
Email: Esj19@fsu.edu
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Ru sits down and chats with Ryan Skowronski, a PhD. student at Southern Illinois University. They chat about Ryan's path and his current project- looking at the spatial ecology of American Paddlefish! They also dive deep into the importance of fun, to keep challenging yourself, and future plans. Tune in to hear more about Ryan's journey and work in both stream and river ecosystems!
 
Remember- Always have fun in the things you do!
 
If you want to reach out to Ryan- reach out to him via instagram @ryan_skowronski65 or via email at ryan.skowronski@siu.edu
 
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by Sam Chasse, a M.Sc Candidate from the University of Winnipeg with past guest Dr. Hasler!  He's been working on a super cool project that involves Musky, machine learning, and angler photos. Tune in to learn how Sam and the team at the University of Winnipeg built a system to identify individuals in angler photos from the Master Angler Program in Manitoba.  They discuss the challenges and benefits of this technique, and what it could mean for future behaviour studies and fisheries assessments!
 
Manitoba Master Angler Program - https://anglers.travelmanitoba.com/
 
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

Morgan Cleary's path to becoming a shark researcher wasn't defined by luck—it was built through hard work, determination, and an unwavering passion for marine science. From working three jobs to create opportunities that would shape her future to unforgettable days studying sharks in the field, Morgan's story is a reminder that chasing your dreams is rarely easy, but it's always worth it.
In this episode of The Fisheries Podcast, we dive into the experiences that shaped her career, the mentors who helped guide her, the value of internships and graduate school, and the lessons she's learned along the way. We also discuss her research using nurse shark blood to monitor contaminants in coastal waters and how sharks can serve as important indicators of ecosystem health.
Whether you're pursuing a career in science, fascinated by sharks, or simply chasing a dream of your own, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired.
Contact Morgan!
email: morgan.cleary8@gmail.com
Instagram: @morgan_cleary8 or @fintastic_sharks
#TheFisheriesPodcast #MarineBiology #SharkResearch #MarineScience #FisheriesScience #WomenInSTEM #Conservation #OceanScience #Sharks #Podcast
“Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”
 

In this week's episode we chat with Ruhika Bhattacharya. Ru is just beginning her Master's degree at the University of Manitoba studying stress physiology in elasmobranchs. She will also be joining The Fisheries Podcast as one of our regular hosts. We discuss her what got her interested in fish and her journey to get to this point.
Main Point: Our research and profession should be as diverse as nature!
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).
 

This week, Preston chats with the Assistant Chief of SCDNR's Freshwater Fisheries Section Lynn Quattro. They discuss Lynn's meandering (riverine pun intended!) career journey and the myriad day-to-day responsibilities of an Assistant Fish Chief in a natural resources management agency. Lynn also highlights her involvement with AFS and how her role in the AFS Fisheries Administration Section has helped navigate some unforeseen issues that popped up in recent years following the publication of the newest Names of Fishes book. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Lynn's email: quattrol@dnr.sc.gov
Main Point: We're all in this together.
 
Get in touch with us!The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcastBuy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shopThanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan connects with Dr. Matthew Yates to talk about his work on GEN-FISH, a massive collaboration of researchers, professionals, and community-members who collectively worked to determine the location and abundance of Canada’s 200+ freshwater fish species, and measure how they are performing in the face of increasing (mostly human-caused) stressors.
 
Dr. Yates discusses the who, what, when, where, and why of GEN-FISH, how the work is being used to help better manage fisheries in Canada, and some of the amazing things they've discovered doing the work.  Included in this is the use of eDNA for phylogeography in Canada, and the use of long amplicon markers (and what exactly those are).
 
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Conrad spoke with Dr. Dylan Kiene, a postdoctoral researcher at Mississippi State University and lifelong angler turned fisheries scientist. Dylan shares insights from his Ph.D. research on Southern Flounder ecology, discusses a new Gulf-wide Cobia and Tripletail tagging project he's helping lead, and talks about bridging the gap between fisheries science and the recreational fishing community. From acoustic telemetry to custom rod building, this episode is packed with passion, data, and fish stories you won't want to miss.
Takeaway: Keep an open mind, because anything is possible.
Contact Dylan: Instagram: Dr.Doormat
Facebook: Dylan Kiene
 
#flounder #cobia #tripletail #acoustictelemetry #recreationalangling
“Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”

This week, Preston sits down with Tennessee Tech's Tom Miles and TWRA's Cole Harty to discuss the ongoing battle between Tennessee and Alabama. We aren't talking about football, but instead the invasive Alabama Bass and how it is impacting Tennessee's black bass fisheries. From competition issues to hybridization impacts, this nonnative species is a serious cause for concern for black bass managers and anglers in Tennessee and throughout most of the southeast. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Tom's email: tpmiles42@tntech.edu
Cole's email: Cole.R.Harty@tn.gov
Main Point: Be good stewards when on the water!
 
Get in touch with us!The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcastBuy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shopThanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Elise chats with Katie Miller, the logistics and outreach coordinator for the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami! They discuss her recently completed MS research in sandbar and blacknose shark reproduction at UM and ongoing work on the Atlantic guitarfish with the Florida Manta Project, her career shift from education into marine science, some of the unique challenges of being both a parent and field researcher, and more!
You can learn more about Katie's work by following @sharktagging and @marinemegafauna on Instagram, or by emailing UMSharkResearch@earth.miami.edu
Main Point: Ask all the questions!
Get in touch with us!The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcastBuy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shopThanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).
 

On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by Colin Cassin, Executive Director, and Rebecca D'Orazio, Aquatic Invasive Species Team Lead from the Invasive Species Centre in Sault St. Marie!  This NGO has been working on aquatic and terrestrial invasive species issues in Ontario and Canada, and they're celebrating 15 years of doing the good work! Colin and Rebecca chat with Brendan on how ISC's programs and delivery have evolved over the last 15 years, and how this work helps protect Canada's fisheries.   Colin and Rebecca reflect on how municipalities in Canada often bare the brunt of the impacts of invasive species, what aquatic species are their focus, and how the same problems and stories rear up no matter if you're working on land or in water! 
 
You can find ISC and all their awesome work here: https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/ Their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invasivespeciescentre/ 
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

From a chance meeting on a plane to recording a podcast episode, this week Conrad interviews wildlife biologist Adam Hensley.
Adam shares how a childhood love for fishing evolved into a career studying fish, insects, and entire ecosystems—highlighting the power of curiosity, asking questions, and embracing a non-linear path. From switching out of criminal justice to discovering aquatic ecology, his story shows how unexpected pivots can lead to meaningful work.
The conversation explores Adam’s graduate research in Alaska, where he studied Dolly Varden in extreme Arctic environments. With constant water temperatures but dramatic seasonal light changes, his work reveals how fish adapt to survive harsh winters—showing just how interconnected ecosystems truly are.
Along the way, Adam shares unforgettable field experiences—from helicopter access to remote tundra streams to observing wildlife like wolverines and massive fish populations—bringing listeners into the reality of field-based science.
The episode wraps with reflections on career growth, resilience through rejection, and the importance of staying open to opportunities. The biggest takeaway: everything is connected—whether in nature, science, or life—and following curiosity can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
#dollyvarden #arctic #salmonid #aquaticmacroinvertebrates #flyfishing
Instagram:adamchensley
Email: achensley@crimson.ua.edu
Get in touch with us!
The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod 
Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast
Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop
Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.
The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”