Undergraduate Research

Principal Investigator
Carmen G. Montaña, PhD.
PhD- 2012, Texas A&M University
Associate Professor Department Of Biology
Stephen F. Austin State University
Miller Science Building, Room # 123
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Email: montanascg (at) sfasu (dot) edu
Phone: 936.468.2322

Curriculum vitae
ResearchGate Profile
Google Scholar Profile

Researchers

Visiting Researcher
David Peterson
Fish Biologist
USDA- Forest Service Lufkin TX

Dave and the member of the Montana Lab are working on describing the "Conservation status of fishes in East Texas". We are looking at historical and contemporary data to evaluate changes in species composition over time, but also we are looking at life history traits and functional traits to evaluate what traits have allowed the persistence of some native species over time.

Current Graduate Students

Meredith Barney
B.S. in Environmental Science & Sustainability, Allegheny College, PA
Watershed Conservation Research Center, PA

MS- Student, Biology SFASU
Meredith is conducting a multiscale assessment of distribution of imperiled fish assemblages in the upper Red River. Specifically, she is surveying the freshwater fishes of the upper Red River in Texas upstream from Lake Texoma to elucidate changes in fish assemblages and gather comprehensive data in demographics, life history, ecological aspects of three imperiled species: Red River Pupfish, Prairie Chub, and Red River Shiner.

Michael Musal
B.S. Fisheries and Aquatic Science (Minor: Statistics), Iowa State University
Iowa DNR Fisheries Management Intern, IA

MS- Student, Biology SFASU
Michael is using a multiscale ecological framework consisting of a combination of fishing gears, sampling methods, tagging techniques, and stable isotope analysis to accurately assess the abundance, movements, and ecological aspects of imperiled populations of cyprinid (Sabine Shiner and Suckermouth minnow) and catostomid (Spotted Sucker and Western Creek Chubsucker) fishes in the Neches and Sabine River basins in East Texas. His research project is expected to fill gaps of information in the distribution, movements, residency, and potential habitats for spawning of these fish populations within these river basins. Michael's research also will investigate trophic pathways of fish species within river basins and across seasons.

Adam Musolf
B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife, School of Forestry and Nat Res. Aquatic Sciences. Minor: Ecology. University of Georgia
UFWS Fish technician, Illinois

MS- Student, Biology SFASU
Adam is working on detection and occupancy models to help predict the distribution of imperiled fishes in the Neches and Sabine River basins in East Texas. In addition, his research will examine the isotope niche space occupy by suckers (Catostomids) in these river basins and across different seasons.

Current Undergraduate Students

Robin Yarman
SFASU, Environmental Science
Project: Isotopic niche space of aquatic larva of dragonfly (Odonata: Gomphiae) along a gradient of salinity in rivers of Texas.

Joseph Sheffield
SFASU , Biology
Project: Functional and trophic diversity of catfishes (Siluriformes) in the Essequibo River Guyana.

William "Bill" Koehler
SFASU, Biology
Bill has been assisting different projects in streams of East Texas. Currently, he is working on an independent research project investigating Neotropical fishes and food webs.

Katelyn Defrancis
SFASU, Forestry
Project: Local factors (biotic & abiotic) influencing the distribution of two imperiled shiners in streams of East Texas.

Abigail Roberson
SFASU, Forestry

Abigail joined the lab in summer 2025. She is interested in investigating the distribution suckers (Catostomidae) within the Sabine and Neches river basins in Texas.

Sophie Choate
SFASU, Forestry

Sophie joined the lab in summer 2025. She is interested in investigating life history strategies of fishes in East Texas.