PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Lance McNew, Ph.D.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Kansas State University; 2010
  • M.S., Zoology, emphasis in Wildlife Ecology. Southern Illinois University; 2003
  • B.S., Zoology, Eastern Illinois University; 2001

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Experience:

  • Associate Professor, Department of Animal & Range Sciences, MSU; 2020-present
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Animal & Range Sciences, MSU; 2014-2020
  • Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center; 2012-14
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Division of Biology, Kansas State University; 2010-12
  • Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.), Division of Biology, Kansas State University; 2006-10
  • Deer Research Biologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources; 2003-05

Jared Beaver, Ph.D.​

Education:

  • Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University; 2017
  • M.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, University of Tennessee; 2011
  • B.S., Biology, Wake Forest University; 2008

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, MSU; 2020-present
  • Leopold Fellow, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Biology, Wake Forest University; 2018-2020
  • Distance Education Coordinator and Research Assistant, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University; 2014-2017
  • County Extension Agent and Water and Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Bexar County; 2013-2014.
  • Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.), Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University; 2011-2017.
  • Research Assistant, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University – Kingsville; 2011
  • Grad Research Assistant (M.S.), Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries; University of Tennessee; 2009-2011

POSTDOCTORAL STUDENTS

For inquiries,contact WHEL Principal Investigator Lance McNew, Ph.D. 


GRADUATE STUDENTS

Taylor Bayne (M.S.)

Project title: Testing New Technology For Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Mitigation: An Evaluation of AI Enabled Camera Traps

Education:

  • B.A., Psychology, Ave Maria University, 2017

Professional Experience:

  • Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), Department of Animal and Range Sciences, MSU; 2021-present
  • Ranch Technician, Snowcrest Ranch, Turner Enterprises, Inc., Montana; 2020
  • Seasonal Bison Worker, Snowcrest Ranch, Turner Enterprises, Inc., Montana; 2018 &2019

Laura Dykstra (Ph.D.)

Project Title:Ecology of Reintroduced Sharp-tailed Grouse in Western Montana

Education:
B.S., Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI;  2020.
M.S., Natural Resources, University of Connecticut; 2023.

Professional Experience
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.), Department of Animal and Range Sciences, MSU; 2023-present
Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), University of Connecticut; 2021-2023
Raptor Research Technician, Boise State University; 2021


Aubrey Sullivan

Project Title:
Evaluation of automated radio-telemetry for monitoring space use of ground-dwelling birds
 
Education:
B.S., Biological Sciences, Montana State University, 2014

Professional Experience:

  • Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), Department of Animal and Range Sciences, MSU; 2022-present
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse Technician, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana; 2022
  • Chronic Wasting Disease Regional Coordinator, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana; 2021
  • Biological Science Technician, U.S. Forest Service, Montana; 2019, 2020, & 2021
  • Rare Carnivore Technician, Swan Valley Connections, Montana; 2021
  • Chronic Wasting Disease Technician, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana; 2019
  • Naturalist Field Instructor, Montana Natural History Center, Montana; 2018
  • Weddell Seal Research Assistant, Montana State University, Antarctica; 2017
  • Lewis’ Woodpecker Crew Lead, MPG Ranch, Montana; 2016
  • Bighorn Sheep Technician, Montana State University, Montana; 2015
  • Hoary Marmot Research Assistant, Montana State University, Montana; 2015
  • White-Headed Woodpecker Technician, Montana State University, Idaho; 2014

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Ray Beaver

Ray assists with a variety of research in the lab and is leading an independent study assessing mammalian biodiversity at MSU's Red Bluff Research Ranch. 

Education:

  • B.S, Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology, Montana State University,  (2024)

Professional Experience: 

  • Wildlife Research Technician, Wildlife Habitat Ecology Lab, Montana State University; 2021-present
  • Seasonal Waterfowl Technician, Ducks Unlimited; 2023
  • Intern at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue; 2021

Lab Alumni