Biology students Alexandria Beezel and Ethan Rutledge attended the 2020 Southern Division-American Fisheries Society (SDAFS) Meeting Feb. 20-23 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

About their research

Beezel presented her undergraduate research project titled “A Cursory Look into the Striped Bass Population in Norfork Lake.”  The project was a collaboration with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

Rutledge presented his research project titled “Population Dynamics and Habitat Use of Bluegill in the Upper Mississippi River.”

Beezel and Rutledge conducted the research they presented in the lab of Dr. Quinton Phelps.

About the conference

SDAFS annually hosts members of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) from southern states to discuss research findings and management applications pertaining to the region.

“The conference is an excellent opportunity for students to discuss applications of their research with other researchers in the fisheries biology field,” Dr. Alicia Mathis, department head of biology, said.

About the American Fisheries Society

AFS strives to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.

“It’s the premier professional organization in the United States for researchers and management professionals studying fish biology and fisheries management,” Mathis said.