Richard Nicholas Loveland
Bandera,TX
Summary
Passionate naturalist dedicated to conserving native aquatic biodiversity in Texas nearing the completion of a master's degree in environmental science, with a thesis on thermal ecology of imperiled spring-associated fish. Advocate for underappreciated species and stewardship of wild places.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of Texas At San Antonio
01.2022 - Current
- Monitoring stream temperature continuously at over 100 sites across the Edwards Plateau
- Quantifying thermal ecology of 3 fish species of greatest conservation need through lab based assays
- Analyzing field and lab data to predict effects of thermal stress on aquatic life
- Coordinating biannual biological sampling at Honey Creek State Natural Area
- Investigating spread of invasive crayfish in Arizona and New Mexico
- Quantifying microhabitat use of black bass species in the San Antonio River
Fisheries Research Technician
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
10.2018 - 12.2021
- Operated and maintained equipment including trucks, tractors, boats, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, ATVs, pumps, and sampling gear
- Sampled fish communities and species of greatest conservation need through electrofishing, seining, gill netting, fyke netting, angling, side-scan sonar, and visual surveys
- Collected fin clips for genetic analysis, weighed/measured/tagged fish for population survey
- Reared fish in earthen ponds, flow through tanks, recirculating systems, and aquaria
- Enhanced the ecological integrity of unused hatchery space by planning and planting 5 acres of grow zones with native grasses and forbes
- Regularly coordinated property access with private landowners to achieve conservation goals
- Engaged with community members through outreach events focused on aquatic conservation
- Organized and analyzed fisheries sampling data and presented at a professional conference
- Reported water quality and quantity data to meet monthly and biannual deadlines in compliance with TCEQ and EPA water use and discharge permits
Undergraduate Research Technician
Riverscape Ecology Lab
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Sampled aquatic species of greatest conservation need at multiple west Texas sites, including Independence Creek, Dolan Falls, and Diamond Y Springs
- Proposed and received funding for an undergraduate research project investigating the dispersal of Alligator Gar in the Brazos River
- Assisted TPWD personnel with launching and recovering boats in adverse conditions and performed side-scan sonar surveys for Alligator Gar
- Measured in-stream barriers as part of a large-scale aquatic habitat connectivity study
Seasonal Aquatic Field Intern
Utah Department Of Natural Resources
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Conducted aquatic life sampling and conservation projects for native fish, amphibians, and waterfowl
- Restored aquatic habitat through construction of livestock exclusion fences and installation of riparian plants
- Engaged community members with hands on fish rearing and angling programs for elementary students
- Enhanced native trout populations through stocking and invasive species removal
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab
09.2016 - 04.2017
- Gathered aquatic community data in the Lower Guadalupe River
- Sorted and identified more than 30 fish species over thousands of samples
- Prepared fish, invertebrate, and plant samples for stable isotope analysis
Seasonal Field Technician
Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Collected stream physical characteristic data and interviewed aquatic stakeholders regarding the recreational use of 4 Texas streams for a TCEQ Recreational Use Attainability Analysis
- Used ArcGIS to record data and navigate to remote locations in challenging terrain
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fisheries Sciences
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08.2018
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of Texas At San Antonio
01.2022 - Current
Fisheries Research Technician
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
10.2018 - 12.2021
Undergraduate Research Technician
Riverscape Ecology Lab
11.2017 - 08.2018
Seasonal Aquatic Field Intern
Utah Department Of Natural Resources
05.2017 - 08.2017
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab
09.2016 - 04.2017
Seasonal Field Technician
Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab
05.2016 - 08.2016
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Texas At San Antonio
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fisheries Sciences
Texas A&M University
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