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
Mountain Home, TX
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
College Station, TX
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
Ogden, UT
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
College Station, TX
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
College Station, TX
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