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University of Montana - Masters Student in Wildlife Biology - Projected to Graduate Spring 2027

Project Title: Boats and Goats: Investigating impacts of river recreation on mountain goats

I am a master’s student in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, where I joined the Millspaugh Lab in January 2025. I hold a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University, and I have a deep-rooted drive for wildlife conservation, particularly in managing human-wildlife interactions. I am currently a wildlife biologist for Glacier National Park, and I also have a career as a heli-ski guide in Alaska. In my free time I enjoy hunting, mountain biking, rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, and paragliding.

Boats and Goats: Investigating impacts of river recreation on mountain goats

My thesis research focuses on understanding how river recreation impacts mountain goats along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Specifically, I am investigating whether recreational use influences goat behavior and access to mineral licks, and the effectiveness of mountain goat oriented river regulations. My work aims to inform management decisions that balance conservation priorities with recreational use, aligning with upcoming regulations in the Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Wild and Scenic Flathead River.