Barnes | people

The Integrated Marine Fisheries (IMF) Lab conducts collaborative scientific research to improve our understanding about population and community dynamics in marine systems — with a focus on groundfish. Individual projects are specifically designed to inform stock assessments and support ecosystem-based fisheries management. We emphasize the value of transdisciplinary collaborations among scientists, managers, and fishery stakeholders because of its benefit to both product and process.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Cheryl Barnes, she | they

Cheryl is an assistant professor in marine fisheries at Oregon State University (OSU) and serves as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife representative on the Scientific and Statistical Committee for the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Cheryl earned a PhD in fisheries from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, MS in marine science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and BS in biology from San Diego State University. They have also worked as a program and outreach director in the nonprofit sector, representative for the California Sea Grant Extension Program, and lead scientist for the California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program (CCFRP). Additional information can be found in their curriculum vitae and 'about' page.

CURRENT STUDENTS AND AFFILIATES
Madison Bargas, she | her

Madison is originally from the Bay Area in California and now calls Juneau, Alaska home. She graduated from the University of Alaska Southeast with a BS in marine biology and a minor in environmental science. After graduation, Madison worked with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to conduct stream surveys of juvenile Coho salmon. She subsequently transitioned to working as a biologist for ADFG's Commercial Groundfish Project. Madison is currently working on an MS in fisheries science at OSU. Her thesis research involves quantifying spatial variation in black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) life history traits to inform state-based stock assessments in the California Current and Gulf of Alaska. Apart from working with fish, Madison enjoys hiking, bike riding, and traveling. Want to help Madison with her research? Check your black rockfish ID skills and then donate those carcasses (CA, OR, WA, & AK)!

Isabelle Galko, she | her

Isabelle is originally from Austin, TX. She has conducted research in southern Louisiana, rural Virginia, and across the UK. Isabelle is finishing up an MS degree in aquatic conservation, ecology, and restoration at University College London. She also has an MS in climate change (environment, science, and policy) from King's College London and a BS in environmental sciences from Southern Methodist University. Isabelle joins the IMF Lab as a faculty research assistant (FRA). In this role, she is working with NOAA colleagues to conduct a climate vulnerability assessment in the Gulf of Alaska. In her free time, Isabelle enjoys hiking and camping, does a daily crossword puzzle, and recently ran her first marathon.

Peri Gerson, she | her

Peri grew up in Oregon, just a stone's throw from OSU's main campus, and is excited to return to continue her education. Peri graduated from Cornell University with a BS natural and environmental systems. She has worked as a research assistant in the Cornell Soil and Water Lab, field technician for the Adirondack Fishery Research Program, and North Pacific groundfish observer. Prior to joining the IMF Lab, Peri was working as a federal consultant for a healthcare data analytics project in Seattle, WA. Peri is pursuing an MS in fisheries science at OSU. Her thesis uses groundfish diet data to model variation in prey availability in the Gulf of Alaska. She likes to cook (eat), read, and do anything that gets her outside.

Vaughn Robison, he | him

Vaughn is an instructor of fisheries communication and social science with OSU's Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences and honorary member of the IMF Lab. He is place-based and teaches Ecampus courses from his hometown of Depoe Bay, OR. Vaughn's work is shaped by his background in communication and propelled by his family's three generations of engagement in science and management as fishermen. He is passionate about creating shared understandings among fishery stakeholders and decision-makers and finds purpose in promoting equitable science and management. In his free time, Vaughn enjoys traveling with his dog, showing his horse, fishing on the ocean, and participating in competitive salmon canning.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Tobi Davies, they | them

Tobi is a non-traditional student finishing their undergraduate degree in environmental sciences (minor in marine conservation and management; GIS certificate) at OSU. They are working in the IMF lab as part of OSU's Branch Experiment Station Research Internship Program. Tobi is originally from Portland, enjoys spending time with their partner, cooking, and being outside.

Grace Godfrey, she | her

Grace is entering the fourth year of her undergraduate degree in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences. She is working in the IMF lab as an OSU Branch Experiment Station Research Intern. Grace is originally from Homer, AK and enjoys hiking, climbing, snowboarding, and spending time on the water.

Elen Leugers, they | them
Tobi Davies

Elen is a second year undergraduate majoring in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences. They are working in the IMF lab as part of OSU's Beginning Researcher Support Program. Elen is originally from North Carolina and spent time in the military before going to college. They enjoys hiking and spending time with their wife and cats.

Vivian Light, she | her

Vivian is a third year undergraduate student in biology at OSU. She is assisting with data collection for research conducted by the IMF Lab. Vivian is originally from Sacramento, California and enjoys spending time with her two cats, backpacking, camping, and playing sand volleyball.

Holland Vernon, he | they

Holland is a non-traditional student working on an undergraduate degree in environmental science (minor in geology) at Weber State University. He is working with the IMF Lab as part of Hatfield Marine Science Center's REU Program. Holland enjoy spending time with their wife and kids, camping, fishing, exploring wild places, making music, and small metal working.

Undergraduate Students and Research Assistants

FORMER STUDENTS AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Meredith Adams (2024)
Alex Aines (2013)
Daniel Anaya (2013)
Joshua Antus (2009)
Karen Askeland (2010)
Madison Bargas (2017-2018)
Kaitlyn Beck (2014)
Ellen [Bjork] Kormanik (2008)
Sara Briley (2008)
Katie Brown (2016)
Adam Chorazyczewski (2014)
Ely Cunningham (2024)
Helena Delgado-Nordmann (2016)
Caitlin Doles (2013)
Danielle Duncan (2013)
Alex Feck (2009)
Amanda Gile (2015)
Chris Giordano (2014)
Noemi Giraud Shuey (2009)
Hallie Heath (2013-2014)
Ashley [Hedger] Wester (2009)
Elizabeth Hetherington (2009)
Felicia Holman (2022-2023)
Clarice Homer (2018)
Chanelle Hope (2010)
Georgina Hunt (2015)
Zachary Johanson (2016)
Aiden Kamber (2017)
Laura Knopp (2009)
Kristin Kuhn (2008-2009)
Janelle Li (2020-2021)
Vivian Light (2024)
Sawyer Link (2016)
Sadie Lockwood (2024)
Serena Lomonico (2014)
Marianne [Mairz] Novella (2010)
Rhiannon McCollough (2013)
Paul Muehlenbeck (2012)
Robert Rand (2011-2012)
Samantha Robinson (2011)
Diana Rojano (2024)
Kristina Ros (2010)
Peachyapa Saengcharoentrakul (2020-2021)
Marty Schmidt (2012)
Elizabeth Schurig (2013)
Sima Saadat (2010-11)
Nikki Siababa (2014)
Aaron Sloan (2014)
Emily Stollmeyer (2013)
Holland Vernon (2024)
Harmony Wayner (2016-2017)
Dani Weir (2009)

Interested in undergraduate research opportunities?
The IMF Lab is committed to holistic mentoring that provides effective training for scholarly research and promotes individualized growth. We work to create an environment that is accessible, equitable, intellectually stimulating, supportive, and free from harassment of any kind. We also encourage critical thinking, skepticism, and creativity. Check out this guide for more information about what it's like to work in the IMF Lab.

We prioritize potential over experience when selecting undergraduate research assistants. This is to provide opportunities for professional development and confidence-building to everyone...regardless of one's past experience (or lack thereof) with scientific research.

Prospective research assistants should be self-motivated and have a keen interest in developing the technical, practical, and interpersonal skills that are necessary for success in marine fisheries science. We expect students in the IMF Lab to be organized, detail-oriented, and committed to upholding standardized protocols — all of which help maximize the quality and utility of our work! We help plan and direct undergraduate activities by collaboratively setting goals and establishing reasonable timelines. We also hold regular meetings to answer questions, give/receive feedback, and provide resources to help students reach their academic goals.