Research Invasive Grass Specialist

Aaron was born and raised in rural Iowa where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor exploration from an early age.  He attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Ecology and Botany in 2004.  From there, he traveled to Kingsville and began graduate work at Texas A&M University- Kingsville under the direction of Dr. Tim Fulbright studying relationships between buffelgrass and northern bobwhites as well as grassland restoration. 

Aaron received his Master’s degree in Range and Wildlife Science in 2007 and began working for Dr. Bart Ballard as a Research Associate for a Project using radar technology to track bird migrations along the southern Texas coast.  He was also involved in several graduate projects involving wetland ecology, Reddish Egret behavior, and terrestrial bird communities.  During this time, he developed an interest and skill in birding and continues to be an avid birder.

In 2009, Aaron accepted a position with CKWRI managing research activities on tanglehead.  He works with a team of researchers at the institute to conduct relevant research involving management, ecology, and physiology of this species in south Texas.  Aaron has a wide area of interest in aspects of ecological research and management, which continues to expand in his new role.