Current M.S. Students
Ryan Maynard
Ryan graduated in 2023 with a B.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology from Murray State University. His thesis project at EIU focuses on assessing catfish populations to evaluate harvest regulations in the Wabash River basin. He will graduate fall 2026. He plans on becoming a District Fish Biologist or would like to work with endangered species.
Jeanette Bovard
Jeanette is from Effingham, Illinois and graduated summa cum laude with her B.S. in Biology and minors in French and Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University in 2024. Her thesis is composed of 2 components: (1) examining pre- and post-restoration monitoring data to determine if the dam removals in the Vermilion and North Fork Vermilion Rivers improved stream habitat and biotic integrity and (2) developing methods to sample and assess macroinvertebrate communities in the Wabash River. After completing her M.S., she plans to continue on to a PhD program and, eventually, become a professor.
Anna Brown
Anna is from Tunkhannock, PA and graduated May 2025 from Bucknell University. Her thesis project is going to look at off channel habitats of the Wabash River. She will assess fish communities as well as carp recruitment dynamics in these areas. After grad school she would like to continue her path as a biologist by studying aquatic ecology, conducting field work, and pursuing her PhD.
Trent Kloepping
Trent is from Princeton, IL and graduated from UW-Steven’s Point in 2024. His thesis project is leading the Long-Term Electrofishing efforts on the Wabash River with an emphasis on understanding the population demographics of Longnose and Shortnose Gar. After EIU, he plans to become a field biologist specializing in bio-monitoring and sensitive aquatic species.
Ian Keller
Ian is originally from Michigan where he got his undergraduate degree in biology from Michigan State University. In 2022, Ian moved to Denver, CO to work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Invasive species program. He worked for three years helping Colorado fight aquatic invasives. At EIU, Ian’s thesis will be focused on the effect of artificial Channel Catfish nesting boxes on populations of catfish in nearby lakes. In his free time, he enjoys hikes with his dog Harley, fly fishing, and watching Detroit sports.
Victor Lampe
Victor graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Animal Ecology with a focus on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in 2025. His thesis project will focus on invasive carp age, growth, and mortality. After EIU, Victor hopes to go on to become a district fisheries biologist!
Current Undergrad Students
Emily Stortzum
Eva Apodaca
Gracie Lemmon
