John McLaren

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources: Watershed Sciences

Jack McLaren is an Ecology PhD student in the Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center within the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah State University.

Currently, Jack is working with Professors Soren Brothers and Phaedra Budy with funding from the non-profit Henry’s Fork Foundation to study the effects of eutrophication on river ecosystems and fish habitat, a subject essential to river conservation in the intermountain West given rapid human development and population increase. Prior to coming to Utah State, he received a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame, a MS in Environmental Science, and a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University-Bloomington.

Since coming to Utah, Jack has had the privilege of serving as both an instructor and teaching assistant for the WATS 3100 Fish Diversity and Conservation lecture and laboratory courses. He also mentors undergraduate interns during the summer field season at the Henry’s Fork Foundation.

After graduating, Jack hopes to pursue a career in non-profit conservation, science, and education. When he isn’t working, Jack serves the community as a member of the USU Catholic Newman Center and enjoys spending time fishing, hunting, paddling, and camping.