Justin Vandehey

Bio

Growing up on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods in Northern Minnesota sparked my interest in nature and has continued to shape my career path. My past and current research encompass a wide range of applied fisheries and aquatic ecology-related questions using a variety of techniques. My Master’s thesis used conservation genetics to delineate genetic stocks of Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan to aid in the management of this ecologically and economically important fishery and my doctoral dissertation assessed the effects of the introduction of a keystone species, Gizzard Shad, on the native fish and zooplankton communities in small prairie glacial lakes. Prior to joining the faculty at UW-Stevens Point I was a fish propagation science specialist for the state of Wisconsin and worked on a wide range of hatchery and post-stocking-related issues. I currently teach Fisheries Management, Fisheries Research and Introduction to Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and advise Master’s students working on a variety of topics. 

Experiences and Interests

Teaching Experience

• Associate Professor of Fisheries and Water Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2019-Present)
• Assistant Professor of Fisheries and Water Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2013-2019)
• Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2012-2013)
• Post-doctoral Instructor, South Dakota State University (2011-2012)

Research Interests

• Fish community ecology
• Population genetics
• Aquatic food web ecology

Learn more about my research here

Involvement

Community

• Past President and Vice President, Hunt Test Chair – Muddy Waters Retriever Club (2012-Present)
• Volunteer, Breast Cancer Awareness Run, Bike, Walk event, Marshfield, WI (2010-2018)

Professional Memberships

• American Fisheries Society (AFS), 2005-present
  • Fisheries Management Section 2007-present   
  • Genetics Section 2009-present
  • Education Section 2009-present
  • Fish Culture Section 2011-Present
  • North Central Division AFS 2007-present
  • Walleye Technical Committee 2007-present
  • Esocid Technical Committee 2012-present

• Wisconsin Chapter AFS, 2006-Present
  • Chair: AFS Board of Professional Certification – 2017-present
  • Chair: AFS Board of Appeals – 2017-present
  • Member: Scholarship Committee, Wisconsin AFS – 2016-present
  • Member: AFS Membership Committee – 2020-present
  • Co-Chair: AFS Membership Committee – 2018 – 2020
  • Education Section of AFS: New Initiatives Committee – 2010-2020
  • Chair: Education subcommittee: AFS Board of Professional Certification – 2013-2017
  • Education subcommittee: AFS Board of Professional Certification – 2012-2013
  • Immediate Past Chair: North Central Division of AFS Walleye Technical Committee – 2011
  • Chair: North Central Division of AFS Walleye Technical Committee – 2010
  • Chair-elect North Central Division of AFS Walleye Technical Committee – 2009

FUN FACTS

Last book you read?

The Closer: My Story by Mariano Rivera

Best advice you ever received?

Try to be the person your dog thinks you are.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Professional Baseball Player

A piece of advice for students?

Get relevant work experience prior to graduation.