Fish and Wildlife Sciences

Courtney Conway’s 10-year study on the effects of ranching on sage grouse populations.

Drive innovation in fish and wildlife sciences

As a student in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, you’ll combine your love of animals and the outdoors with the exploration of science. Study animal ecology, behaviors and interactions. Learn to restore habitats and sustainably manage fish and wildlife populations. Understand social and political challenges related to fish and wildlife policy.

Learn to manage wildlife sustainably and to identify and minimize threats to wildlife populations when you study wildlife sciences. Pursue a degree in fishery science and build a strong foundation in the conservation and sustainable management of fisheries, hatcheries and other aquatic ecosystems. Learn how to lead conservation and sustainable land management efforts as a conservation biology student.

Regardless of which path you choose, you'll build a knowledge base dedicated to understanding, managing and studying various species of fish and wildlife.

Fish and Wildlife faculty

Meet the educators and researchers in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences

Department leadership

  • Frank Wilhelm

    Professor of Limnology, Department Head, Associate Director, Center for Research on Invasive Species

  • Joanna Minor Scarpare

    Administrative Specialist II

Department faculty

  • David Ausband

    Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

  • Jocelyn Aycrigg

    Associate Research Professor

  • Christopher Caudill

    Professor of Fisheries

  • Courtney Conway

    Professor of Wildlife Sciences and Unit Leader of the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

  • Matt Falcy

    Assistant Professor of Biometrics and Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

  • Tracey N. Johnson

    Director of Research, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch Associate Professor

  • Brian Kennedy

    Professor of Fishery Biology and Ecology

  • Ryan Long

    Professor of Wildlife Sciences

  • Simona Picardi

    Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management

  • Michael Quist

    Professor of Fisheries Management and Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

  • Janet Rachlow

    Professor of Wildlife Ecology

  • Dennis Scarnecchia

    Professor of Fisheries Science and Management

  • Brian Small

    Professor of Fish Physiology, Director of the Aquaculture Research Institute

  • Pedro Viadanna

    Assistant Professor of Aquaculture and Fish Health

  • Kerri Vierling

    Associate Dean; Professor of Wildlife Resources

  • Lisette Waits

    Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Resources
Courtney Conway’s 10-year study on the effects of ranching on sage grouse populations.

Inside U of I – FWS

Current students, staff and faculty can have access to additional resources on the Inside U of I FWS page.

Learn more
University of Idaho Office of Equity and Diversity staff portraits

Explore student stories

Dive deeper into the research done by Aldwin Keo, a Warm Springs tribal member and doctoral candidate in the fisheries department.

Read about native fisheries
Caviar from Idaho Springs Foods in Filer, ID.

U of I research is raising the bar with caviar

From pristine springs to gourmet tables: U of I’s Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station has helped elevate Idaho caviar’s reputation.

Learn about Idaho caviar