UW WyACT Researchers | Aquatic Research in Jackson Lake and the Snake River

Kevin Gauthier: I have a broad background in field research on lakes and streams, with a focus on aquatic biogeochemistry. I am interested in the biogeochemical patterns and processes that occur within and among aquatic ecosystems and how they change over time and in response to human-induced change. Combining environmental sensing with chemical lab analysis of field samples has been crucial to all of my research broadly aimed at understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of physical (e.g., water temperature, nutrient and sediment pollution, organic matter inputs) and biological (e.g., productivity, trophic interactions) characteristics of aquatic ecosystems.
Sean Bertalot: I have a broad interest in water quality, freshwater ecosystem function and resilience. I enjoy exploring how new sampling technologies can deepen our understanding of aquatic systems. My past work utilized high frequency sensors and satellite remote sensing to better understand spatial variability of cyanobacteria in a eutrophic urban lake.
Chuck Williams: I am an experienced field technician who has spent the last seven years exploring and studying aquatic ecosystems in the pacific northwest and intermountain west regions of North America. I joined the WyACT project in 2024 as a Research Assistant for the Aquatics team. Outside of work, I spend most of my free time rafting, fishing, or snowboarding. Between work and play, any time on the water is time well spent!
Tristan Blechinger: My research is focusing on changing fisheries habitat in WY reservoirs and how aquatic food webs are responding to these changes. We use stable isotopes to track the flow of energy through these food webs, allowing us to understand how species are interacting and which pathways are most important.