Areas of Expertise: Freshwater Mussels, Field Biology, Aquatic Species Conservation

In 2019, Stephanie joined the Tennessee Aquarium team after 15 years of working as an aquatic biologist for the federal government. She worked as a malacologist for the Tennessee Valley Authority before transitioning to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where she worked as a listing and recovery biologist for ten years. Throughout her career, Stephanie has worked throughout the Southeast, in collaboration with conservation partners to ensure the protection of rare aquatic fishes, freshwater mussels, and aquatic insects.

Stephanie is excited to manage conservation programs for the Aquarium and hopes her passion for freshwater species will inspire you to learn more about your local river or stream.

Favorite Freshwater Mussel: All of them!!

Hobbies: Teaching yoga and Pilates, paddling, hiking, reading, and learning new things.

Education:

M.S., 2002, Emporia State University (Biological Sciences)

B.S., 2000, Kansas State University (Fisheries Biology)