PNAMP Coordination Staff
The PNAMP Coordination Team dedicates their time and energy to supporting the collaboration of many partners and participants each year. The Coordination Team’s goals are to support relationships between data collectors, data managers, data consumers, project managers, and monitoring professionals through collaboration and facilitation. PNAMP Coordination Staff are U.S. Geological Survey employees funded by PNAMP partner contributions.
Jen Bayer (Coordinator)
I often tell people that “I have the best job because everyone I work with is here because they want to collaborate.” lt’s true – you can’t force people collaborate so those who participate in PNAMP activities do so because they realize the value in working together to solve problems. Collaboration across jurisdictions is hard – there is no doubt about that – but the results are oh, so worth the work! Prior to serving as the PNAMP Coordinator, I conducted research at the USGS Columbia River Research Laboratory – with an emphasis on native fishes of the Columbia River basin. When I am not helping PNAMP partners, I might be found supporting collaboration in my community, volunteering at my son’s school, and gardening.
Contact Jen Bayer: jbayer@usgs.gov
Amy Puls (Staff Biologist)
After earning a masters degree from the University of Oregon, I moved to the Columbia River Gorge to start my career with the USGS. For ten years I worked on various research projects ranging from telemetry studies of juvenile salmonid survival through hydroelectric dams to developing a framework for prioritizing zebra and quagga mussel monitoring in the Columbia River Basin. In 2011, I joined the PNAMP coordination staff where I’ve enjoyed working with monitoring practitioners to figure out ways to better share and utilize habitat monitoring information. When not at work I love riding my many bikes, growing as much of my own food as I can, and experiencing new cultures and cuisine.
Contact Amy Puls: apuls@usgs.gov
Sam Cimino (Staff Biologist)
I grew up on the Colorado Front Range where I developed my passion for environmental management, outdoor activities, and Colorado sports teams. I attended the University of Colorado, Boulder (Go Buffs!) as an undergrad earning a B.A. in Environmental Studies. After 25 years in the Centennial State, I moved away from the intermountain, semi-arid West to the lush, green Pacific Northwest for my M.S. at Portland State University in the Strecker Aquatic Ecology lab. My research focused on the introduction and establishment of aquatic invasive species with a focus on the invasion of the New Zealand mud snail. Now, as a member of the PNAMP coordination staff, I enjoy facilitating collaboration and helping with the development and documentation of best practices for long-term monitoring. When I’m not working, I’m hanging out with my dog, playing soccer, training for marathons, and hopefully traveling.
Contact Sam Cimino: scimino@usgs.gov
Megan Dethloff (Staff Biologist)
Hailing from the great state of Nebraska, I moved to Oregon in 2003 to immerse myself in trees and ocean breeze instead of cows and corn. I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Fish and Wildlife Science with a specialization in Fish Biology. I’ve worked with endangered suckerfish, monitored freshwater escapement of Oregon Coastal Chinook populations, and tagged and monitored Pikeminnow in a sport-reward fishery. To not pigeon-hole myself in the world of watery wonder, I’ve also worked with threatened and endangered seabirds and owls, conducted management of resources in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and evaluated salt marsh restoration in New York. Being part of the PNAMP team gives me an opportunity to collaborate across a variety of different interests. When I am not at work, I can be found outside enjoying nature, relief printmaking or other artistic pursuits, or lounging with my fur babies.
Contact Megan Dethloff: mdethloff@usgs.gov
Quinnell Flanagan (Staff Biological Technician)
Born and raised in Oregon, I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by lush trees, ocean mists, and wildlife. My love for these things grows every year and led me to return to school in my mid 20’s. After getting my Associate of Science at Portland Community College, I started my career with the USGS at PNAMP! I plan to get my bachelor’s at Oregon State University in the fall, so I can continue to grow with this organization and learn more about science. When I’m not at work, you can find me exploring the PNW, relaxing at home with my cats, or reading/painting.
Steering Committee
The PNAMP Steering Committee sets priorities and guides the activities of PNAMP. Composed of representatives from each signatory partner, the Steering Committee provides the science-policy interface between the Executive partners and technical workgroups, guides work of technical workgroups, and directs the activities of the Coordinator.
Courtesy members are entities that are considering becoming a formal partner; their participation helps them understand the opportunities, responsibilities, and benefits of signatory membership.
Signatory Steering Committee
Jody Lando, BPA
John Arterburn, Colville Tribes
Denise Kelsey, CRITFC
Tim Copeland, IDFG
Chris Jordan, NOAA Fisheries
Greg Sieglitz, NOAA West Coast Region
Patty O’Toole, NPCC
Bruce Jones, NWIFC
Courtney Shaff, OWEB
Nancy Leonard, PSMFC
Mike Brown, US BLM
John McLaughlin, USBR
Lisa Kusnierz, US EPA
Christine Hirsch, USFS
Steve Waste, USGS
Greer Maier, WA GSRO
Ed Krynak, WA ECO
Phil Sandstrom, WDFW
Signatory Partners
PNAMP is made up of multiple federal, tribal, and state organizations that facilitate collaboration around aquatic monitoring topics of interest, promote best practices for monitoring, and encourage coordination and integration of monitoring activities as appropriate. For more information about each partner, follow their link to view their home websites.
