Area of Expertise: Fisheries Ecology, Field Biology, Aquatic Conservation

Kirsten joined TNACI as a Recovery Biologist in 2026. Her work focuses on research and monitoring that supports the conservation and recovery of native and imperiled freshwater fishes. She has previously worked for several state agencies including Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, working in a wide variety of freshwater habitats from desert rivers to coastal estuaries to headwater streams and springs. She most recently completed her master’s degree, with graduate research assessing a federally endangered Barrens Topminnow population in Middle Tennessee. She is excited to continue the Tennessee Aquarium’s mission and work with our partners to conserve freshwater biodiversity and recover imperiled aquatic species throughout the southeast.

Favorite things: Any activity outside or on the water, my dog Stevie, pickles

Education:

M.S., 2026, Tennessee Technological University (Biology)

B.S., 2016, Jacksonville State University (Biology)