JOE BEVINGTON

Accomplished natural resource professional with a multifaceted background in water policy, science communications, and fisheries management. As a Water Policy and Science Communications Fellow at UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, Excelled in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies, fostering strategic partnerships, and translating complex research into accessible materials. Adept at leading marketing campaigns, evaluating social media performance, and conducting research to establish best practices in water policy and science communication. As a Fisheries Biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Demonstrated expertise in regulatory and policy processes, collaborating with national fishing tournament organizations, and serving as a pivotal expert in Natural Waterbody Permitting. Proven ability to provide policy expertise, lead cross-functional teams, and contribute to rule development, offering a valuable skill set for impactful contributions to environmental and natural resource initiatives.

• Graduate Researcher, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, School of Freshwater Sciences, Designed and executed a survey project to characterize shoreline angler types in an urban fishery., Developed tailored communication approaches for each angler type to enhance public engagement., Managed a team of interns, collecting survey responses from shoreline anglers across 25+ locations over a 12-week period., Utilized R and SPSS for data analysis, identifying angler types and their preferences in natural resource policymaking., Produced comprehensive reports with narrative and visualized representations for academic, journal, and public presentations., Results will inform recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources for a more diverse, equitable policymaking process.
• Offshore Wind Feasibility Project, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Led a graduate student team in analyzing legal considerations, environmental risks, atmospheric conditions, economic options, and stakeholder engagement strategies for an offshore wind project., Conducted a thorough assessment for the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office.
• Field and Laboratory Technician, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Soil Sciences, January 2017, April 2017, Collaborated with federal researchers and the UW Extension program to examine the impacts of farming practices and winter hydrology on soil infiltration, non-point source runoff, and water quality., Collected water samples following run-off events and analyzed water, soil, and crop phosphorus composition by X-Ray fluorescence.
• Long-Term Ecological Research - Fish Crew, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Center for Limnology, July 2016, August 2016, Conducted fisheries assessments for the Northern Temperate Lakes – Long-Term Ecological Research project using electroshocking, gill, fyke and trammel netting, and beach seining., Collected fish were identified, sexed, measured, and weighed., Analyzed long term trend data in population and community dynamics as the result of changing climates, invasive species introduction/control mechanisms and environmental regulations., Volunteered with the Wisconsin DNR “Clean Boats, Clean Lakes” program.
• Laboratory Technician, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Williams Paleovegetation Laboratory, January 2015, January 2017, Processed and analyzed lake sediment cores to model forest community shifts following the last glacial maximum 20,000 years ago at multiple locations across eastern North America., Performed several chemical processes to extract charcoal and macrofossils from organic matter followed by careful observations of charcoal particle abundance under a microscope to reconstruct historic forest fire frequencies and intensities.
• Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Center for Limnology, September 2015, December 2015, Attempted to control an invasive fish species using a whole lake manipulation project and classified zoobenthic invertebrates by functional feeding groups., Processed and analyzed data to model changes in predator-prey dynamics over the duration of the experiment.
• Field and Laboratory Technician, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Trout Lake Station, May 2015, August 2015, Researched Eurasian Watermilfoil and the effectiveness of a potential biological control agent, the Milfoil Weevil as an alternative invasive species management practice to mechanical or chemical treatment by conducting mesocosm and weevil augmentation experiments., Performed point-intercept surveys to map aquatic plant communities, identified aquatic macrophytes, processed samples, observed aquatic invertebrate interactions, and analyzed data to discern relationships between weevils and Eurasian Watermilfoil, and their impacts on native plant and aquatic invertebrate biodiversity.
• Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Turner Ecosystem and Landscape Ecology Laboratory, August 2014, December 2014, Conducted randomized mesocosm experiments to quantify the ecological impacts of an invasive earthworm on prairie and forest ecosystems., Solicited expert opinions to identify potential introduction pathways through horticulture industries, evaluated establishment potential, and assessed inter- and intra-specific competition between native and invasive earthworms., Collected, prepared, and analyzed leaf litter and soil samples from forested and prairie ecosystems for nutrient analyses., Conducted statistical analyses to determine the relationship between ecosystem type and the effects of Jumping Worms on nutrient cycling.