Scott Vander Kooi
About Scott Vander Kooi
Scott Vander Kooi serves as the Director of the Southwest Biological Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2021. He has extensive experience in fish biology, having worked in various roles at USGS for over 14 years and holds degrees in Marine Biology and Fishery Science from Oregon State University.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Scott Vander Kooi serves as the Director of the Southwest Biological Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). He has held this position since 2021 and is based in Flagstaff, Arizona. In this role, he oversees various biological research initiatives and programs that focus on the ecology and conservation of aquatic systems in the southwestern United States.
Previous Experience at U.S. Geological Survey
Prior to his current role, Vander Kooi worked at the U.S. Geological Survey in several capacities. He served as a Fish Biologist from 1997 to 2001 in Cook, Washington, and then as a Supervisory Fish Biologist from 2001 to 2011 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Following this, he was the Chief of the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center from 2011 until 2021 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Education in Marine Biology and Fishery Science
Scott Vander Kooi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and a Master of Science degree in Fishery Science from Oregon State University. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in aquatic biology and conservation.
Expertise in Aquatic Biology
Vander Kooi's expertise lies in aquatic biology, particularly in the study and management of fish populations and ecosystems. His extensive experience at the U.S. Geological Survey has equipped him with knowledge in monitoring and research related to aquatic environments, especially in the context of the Grand Canyon and southwestern ecosystems.