Lindsey Stadler

M.S. student
Marine Biology

The ocean has always fascinated Lindsey Stadler, an M.S. Marine Biology student.  She has wanted to study the subject ever since she was a little kid.

Lindsey researches the food web ecology of nearshore fishes along a gradient of glacially influenced watersheds.  She says, "I want to know how these important ecosystems will be affected by a changing climate. I'm focusing on high latitude systems, which have been experiencing increasing temperatures, variability in precipitation trends, and melting glaciers. My study will hopefully provide insight into how nearshore systems will fare in different conditions as well as how to protect them in the long term."

She chose to come to Alaska and UAF in particular because it seemed like an excellent opportunity to expand her experiences in the field of marine biology. "What truly brought me here, though, was my advisor, Dr. Katrin Iken. She specializes in food web analysis and stable isotope ecology, which are key aspects in my project. I knew I wanted to work with her after having a zoom conversation about potentially joining the lab that left me feeling like all of it was a great fit. It really was."

Lindsey moved to Fairbanks from Long Island, NY in 2020 and found the transition to living here during the pandemic difficult.  Over time, she made connections both professional and personal that were deeper and stronger than she could have imagined.  Last year the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences hosted a Three Minute Thesis competition for their graduate students. Lindsey won the first place prize by presenting her thesis topic, Food Web Ecology of Nearshore Fishes Along a Gradient of Glacially Influenced Watersheds.

Her advice to incoming students is "to make time to read up on subjects that relate to your field of study. Talk to colleagues about what you learn, and don't be afraid to ask questions. We're all figuring out how to be better researchers in an ever-changing world, and having discussions involving critical thinking is invaluable. Don't forget to take care of yourself! Recharging in whatever form that works for you is important in avoiding burnout."

After completing her master's degree, Lindsey plans to pursue a Ph.D. to continue in her field of study.