Quantitative Fisheries
Lab Team

Matt Catalano

Associate Professor & PI

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Natalie Coash

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

• BS, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

I have worked in fisheries in Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Alaska. I came to Auburn University to diversify my experience with different species and water systems as well as to hone my data analysis skills. My thesis will use simulation modeling and angler surveys to study the potential trade-offs between economic performance and fishing quality for black bass fisheries at large reservoirs in Alabama.

TJ Pullen

Hometown: Ponder, Texas

• B.S. Oklahoma State University

I grew up in the small town of Ponder, Texas. I got my bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, majoring in Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology with a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Management. I am a huge bass fisherman and love to bow hunt as well. For my MS work at Auburn University, I will be conducting research to estimate population-level impacts of catch-and-release fishing for Largemouth bass and Alabama bass at Neely Henry Reservoir, Alabama. I am blessed to be doing research on a fish I am so passionate about. War Eagle and Go Pokes!

Max Rubino

Hometown: Great Falls, Montana

• B.S. Fish and Wildlife Management & Ecology, Montana State University

I am a graduate research assistant pursuing a M.S. in fisheries management.  My research is focused on mortality of economically valuable Largemouth and Alabama Bass in northeast Alabama.  In this study I will use a combined high value reward and radio telemetry approach to estimate different mortality components for these two species.  I completed my undergraduate studies at Montana State University with a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management & Ecology where I contributed to research on stream food webs and ecosystem processes. Leading up to my current position, I served as a field technician with the University of Montana and Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research unit where we worked with various fish species and herpetofauna.  After completing my masters, I would like to continue his academic career and pursue a PhD in fisheries.

Anna Tripp

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

• BS Marine Science, Jacksonville University

At Jacksonville University I contributed to research on the diversity and abundance of tropical reef fish at artificial reefs in West Palm Beach, Florida. After graduating, I gained research experience working in various parts of Florida and in Southeast Alaska with the U.S. Forest Service, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Mote Marine Laboratory. In these jobs I learned various management methods for both freshwater and marine species including corals, sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and wild Alaskan salmon.  I am broadly interested in conservation and management of a wide range of ecosystems. Currently I am pursuing an M.S. degree in fisheries management at Auburn University. My research is focused on estimating mortality misclassification rates from radio telemetry for Largemouth and Alabama bass at Neely Henry Reservoir, Alabama.  Ultimately, I would like to pursue a career as a fisheries research biologist at either the state or federal level.

Samantha Young

Hometown: Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

• B.S. University of South Carolina

I studied for a semester abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands focusing on research in marine ecology that allowed me to graduate with leadership distinction in global learning. I also interned with the Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

At Auburn University, I will be estimating exploitation rates of greater amberjack off of the southeastern US utilizing acoustic telemetry combined with angler returns of conventional tags. My career goal is to work in fisheries management and stock assessment.