Jeff Williams is at it again. At the Missouri Natural Resources Conference Feb. 507, he was recognized for his work with fish.

He was awarded the Student Achievement Award and Best Student Platform Presentation from the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (MOAFS).

“Jeff does amazing work,” said Dr. Deb Finn, assistant professor of biology. “I’m glad he’s been given the recognition he deserves by a professional society of aquatic biologists.”

About Williams’s work

Williams’s thesis focused on the effects of low-water crossings on fish movement behavior. He wanted to know if the 350 fish he tagged were passing the crossing over the course of a year.

He also wanted to know if the crossing influenced the direction of movement in fish above and below the crossing.

His research was conducted in Ozark National Scenic Riverways (OZAR).

Williams is a graduate student and also a research specialist in the biology department. He works closely with the Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network (HTLN) of the National Park Service. They were interested in his research and helped fund his thesis work.

“Results from this study will help inform future management decisions at OZAR, like removal or modification of the crossing to promote fish passage,” Williams said.

About his awards

The Student Achievement Award recognizes academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement in fisheries or aquatics.

Williams had to submit an application to be considered. He also submitted a resume, cover letter and a letter of recommendation to MOAFS.

His additional award was unexpected.

“The Best Student Platform Presentation was unexpected,” Williams said. “I enjoy sharing my research at conferences and hearing about other projects going on in the field.”

Williams was excited to be recognized in two different areas.

“It was great being recognized at the conference in front of regional natural resource professionals,” Williams said. “I have put a lot of time and energy into the planning and implementation of this project and was fortunate enough to share my experience with over 15 Missouri State students.”

They recognized Williams for both awards at the MOAFS 2018 annual meeting during the conference.

“I am extremely grateful for everyone who assisted me with the project,” Williams said. “It couldn’t have been possible without the assistance of my graduate committee: Dr. Debra Finn, Hope Dodd and Dr. Alicia Mathis. I also appreciate my funding sources HTLN, Missouri State University and the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.”