Area of Expertise: Field Biology and Ecology of Imperiled Fishes
Abbey’s love for freshwater fish began in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York, where she grew up kayaking, exploring and fishing year-round. During her early academic career, Abbey received her associate degree in Fish and Wildlife Technology from Finger Lakes Community College. When Abbey transferred to the State University of New York at Cobleskill, she was inspired by her mentors to pursue her interests in fisheries and received her Bachelor of Technology degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
In the summer of 2017, Abbey joined the Tennessee Aquarium as the George Benz Ichthyology Fellow to study the microhabitat associations of the Laurel Dace. Abbey’s experience working with the Tennessee Aquarium piqued her curiosity for imperiled fishes of the Southeast, driving her to continue her career in research. In 2019, Abbey moved to Tennessee to pursue her Master’s in Biology at Tennessee Technological University.
For her master’s thesis, she studied the distribution and microhabitat use of the Striated Darter, an imperiled fish in the upper Duck River system. After receiving her degree, Abbey spent a short time working for the National Ecological Observatory Network and was very excited to join the Tennessee Aquarium again to continue doing the work that she loves as the Conservation Institute’s Recovery Biologist!
Favorite part of my job: The fieldwork! I love being out in nature and learning something new with each species I encounter.
Fun Fact: I have a cat named Goose!
Go Bills!!
Education:
M.S., 2021, Tennessee Technological University (Biology)
B.T., 2017, State University of New York at Cobleskill (Fisheries and Aquaculture)
A.A.S., 2015, Finger Lakes Community College (Fish and Wildlife Technology)
Have a question for one of our scientists?
