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Welcome New Reserve Staff
Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Texas
Research
Technician
Research Assistant, Department of Marine Science
Colt Cook recently received a BS in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. He has spent the previous two summers studying as an undergraduate at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI). While at the MSI, Colt served as a research assistant for two professors. His areas of concentration included estuarine ecology and taxonomy of estuarine species. His work experience includes genetic sequencing and mapping, water quality monitoring, and various laboratory analyses.
Colt’s educational background, experience, and familiarity of the Mission-Aransas NERR area will positively impact the research and monitoring programs conducted by the Mission-Aransas NERR. He will assist the Reserve by working with the System-Wide Monitoring Program and water quality monitoring in Little Bay, Rockport.
Stewardship
Coordinator
Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Marine Science
Kiersten Madden received a BA in biology from Augustana College in 2002 and recently completed a PhD in marine science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. Her thesis involved the foraging behaviors of Weddell seals in Antarctic fast-ice. Kiersten was also awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship, which allowed her to focus on strengthening partnerships between educator and researchers. She also has work experience in biological surveys, environmental education, and restoration. Kiersten's educational background and positions have provided her with an amazing breath of knowledge and experience that will greatly benefit the Stewardship program.
One of Kiersten's primary duties for the Mission-Aransas NERR will be to improve coastal land use planning through decision support tools. We are excited about the new expertise Kiersten brings to the program and have confidence that she will help us continue to implement and expand the Stewardship program.
Coastal
Training Program Coordinator
Research Scientist Assistant, Department of Marine Science
Chad Leister received a BA in environmental sciences and policy as well as economics from Duke University in 2004. Chad recently recieved a Master of Environmental Management degree from the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University. His graduate coursework focused on natural and social science related to marine conservation biology and policy. His master's project involved assessing the future of the wild-capture shrimp fishery in North Carolina. While pursuing his master's degree at Duke, Chad served as a conservation analyst for the Wilderness Society in Atlanta, Georgia and an Environmental Consultant for ICF Consulting in Fairfax, Virginia. In addition, Chad worked as a fisheries economics assistant at Duke University. These internships and positions have expanded Chad's experience in event planning, outreach, federal polices, and socioeconomic aspects of coastal environments.
One of Chad's first duties for the Mission-Aransas NERR is to create a needs assessment and market analysis for development of our Coastal Training Program. We are excited about the opportunities that the CTP provides and have confidence that Chad will help us develop a strong and successful program.
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Updated: 1 Feb 08