Graduates earn River Studies and Leadership Certificate, pursue river management careers

The River Management Society (RMS) has announced the recipients of its 2021 River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC). Certificates have been awarded to Erica Byerley and Lindsay Hansen from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Tyler Dagliano and Kate Steele from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for completing interdisciplinary coursework and a field-based practicum in river-based science, policy, conservation, education and recreation.

“The recent graduates have inspired us by demonstrating their passion for rivers,” said Judy Culver, President of the River Management Society. “Through their research, field work and volunteerism, they’ve already contributed greatly to the art and science of river management, and we are thrilled knowing this is just the beginning for them. Congratulations!”

For many students, the most valuable elements of the RSLC program are the hands-on learning experiences and the introductions to the variety of available river-based careers.

“I was able to learn about many river-related topics ranging from river safety to macro-invertebrate sampling,” said Dagliano, who is currently working with a national consulting firm writing environmental site assessments. “Being able to learn how to use those skills while in the river allowed me to gain experience performing tasks that directly relate to my career goals now that I have graduated.”

Almost all of the 29 students who have received the certificate have begun careers in river management fields like aquatic science, fisheries management, hydrology, geographic information systems (GIS) and outdoor recreation. The 2021 graduates aspire to do the same.

Lindsay Hansen is preparing for her new role as a fish ecologist with the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS), where she will work with conservation, monitoring and management of native fish and trout on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Erica Byerley will work as a technical boat operator on a trip to monitor the humpback chub for the USGS. Kate Steele is currently raft guiding in western North Carolina and looking for her next opportunity working on rivers.

Visit https://www.river-management.org/river-studies-leadership to learn more or to inquire about offering the program at your university.

The River Studies and Leadership Certificate is a program offered by the River Management Society in partnership with 12 colleges and universities to undergraduate and graduate students who have become inspired to join the next generation of river professionals.

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