Thaïs Bernos
Bonjour, hello! F.I.S.H. is my lab at the University of Vermont. I am dedicated to conduct fish research for the benefits of nature and people, and use diverse approaches to do so (e.g., genomics, simulations, mixed methods). I earned a PhD from the University of Toronto in Dr. Nick Mandrak’s lab. I also did a postdoc with Dr. Dylan Fraser and Dr. Louis Bernatchez at Concordia University, in collaboration with the Cree Nation of Mistissini.
Graduate students
Mercedes Batalla
Hello! I am a PhD student at UVM studying nearshore fish communities in Lake Champlain. I am originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I developed my passion for the environment from a young age by exploring Patagonia. I then found a love for aquatic invertebrates and fish through my studies. I got my MS degree from South Dakota State University, where I studied the aquatic attributes of Prairie Pothole Region wetlands and discovered my interest in developing ecosystem-level research.
Co-supervisor: Dr. Mark Henderson, USGS
Maddie Betts
I am a PhD student in the F.I.S.H. lab investigating the genetic effects of angling on black bass populations in Lake Champlain. Prior to joining the lab, I worked as a fisheries geneticist for NOAA’s NWFSC, where I supported various projects ranging from forensic bycatch work to validating the use of eDNA for the management of marine fish stocks. I received my MS from Virginia Tech in 2023 where I studied an interesting freshwater fish, the bluehead chub. In my free time, I enjoy snorkeling in the local streams and lakes and baking whatever my sweet tooth is craving that day.
Undergraduate students
Simone Boutelle
Hi! My name is Simone Boutelle (she/her). I am a Biological Sciences major at UVM with environmental studies and chemistry minors. I am currently working on Atlantic Salmon genetics and repopulation efforts. I am originally from San Diego, California and I love to be in any lake or ocean.