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I am a fisheries biologist and disease ecologist based in western Massachusetts. My research examines anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the health and productivity of wild fish populations. I am particularly interested in incorporating infectious disease processes into decision-making frameworks to improve the efficiency of conservation initiatives. A critical component of my work is the inclusion of stakeholder groups from project development through to knowledge mobilization. I have several ongoing postdoctoral projects currently. My work with DFO in Canada relates the productivity of wild sockeye salmon over 10 years with infection dynamics and environmental characteristics at an ocean basin scale.
I am wrapping up a project as a Smith Conservation Fellow examining the disease ecology of wild brook trout relative to habitat fragmentation and climate change using genetic tools.
Currently, I am working with the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center to create a framework for climate-adaptive population supplementation of plants and animals in the US. For my Ph.D. research, I used molecular and physiological tools to relate the cumulative stressor resilience of wild adult Pacific salmon to infectious disease dynamics. My research background also comprises trophic ecology and ecotoxicology of large pelagic marine predators (MSc, UMass Amherst), migration ecology of anadromous fishes, and characterizing restoration potential in fragmented watersheds. Beyond and sometimes in collaboration with science, I dabble in the arts, including welded sculpture and mixed media drawing. I also love rock climbing, sampling craft beer, hiking with my family and dog, and reading and coloring with my daughter.
- Email: akteffer@gmail.com
- Link: amyteffer.com
