Tess McBride
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Tess landed a coveted graduate research position with US Fish and Wildlife Services where she helps the staff “tell their story” by generating articles and creating videos about USFWS’ programs, people and events, such as FRIMA, a program that removes barriers and installs fish screens to help migrating fish return to their stream of origin. She also creates communication strategies for some of their programs including “Connecting People with Nature,” which encourages young adults to experience the outdoors. Tess’ favorite part of her job is the field work. She’s
gotten up close with the orange-toothed nutria, an aquatic rodent. The Aquatic
and Invasive Species department of USFWS has worked with PSU’s Center for Lakes
and Reservoirs among other organizations tracking nutria populations due to the
threat they pose to native species and damage they cause to Northwest habitat.
The Tess also had an intimate moment with a Tule fall Chinook, a salmon species. “He was on the line-up to contribute his sperm to a fresh batch of eggs. While I was mixing fertilized eggs with salt water, just as I turned around, he had a second 'burst.'“ Her favorite field moment involved going out to Eagle Creek and netting with a group of fisheries biologists. She zigzagged in waders up the creek for 200 meters where an electroshocker would bring fish to the surface and it was her job to net the salmon for pit tagging, which is used to identify and record where the fish go in the ocean and when and where they return. An internship with the US Fish & Wildlife Services poses challenges. For example, Tess had to acquaint herself with a slew of new government terms, policies, and subgroups and their respective acronyms. She also needed to learn how to gut a fish. Outside of work and classes, Tess loves the usual Portland favorites, including Forest Park hikes, coffee shops, yoga studios, brew pubs and farmers markets. She recently undertook aerial circus classes. She loves the trapeze.
Story by
Melissa Shavlik |
