Eric O'Brien, Section Supervisor and Research Biologist
eric.obrien@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 353-2835

Eric completed his masters research in Environmental Science at the University of Northern Iowa in May 2003. His primary interest of focus was environmental microbiology, specifically focusing on bacterial source tracking. Before joining the Section, Eric helped coordinate undergraduate water research activities at the University of Northern Iowa. These interests led him to work for the Section in June 2003, when he took over as coordinator of the Beach Monitoring Program. Eric currently serves as the Section Supervisor of the Section.

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Cam Conrad, Natural Resource GIS Analyst
cam.conrad@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-4022

Within the Section, Cam works with GIS analysis, mapping, modeling, web, and database technologies, as well as administering the Section's websites. Along with working for the Iowa DNR for several years, Cam has worked in applied GIS for natural resources in the public sector in Nebraska, Missouri, and Oregon since 1999. Cam has a bachelor of science degree in Geography (GIS) from the University of Iowa.

Vince Evelsizer, Wetland Biologist
vince.evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-1574

Vince received his bachelor of science degree in Wildlife from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in May 1997. He then completed a graduate research project on growth limiting factors of wetland submersed plants in Delta Marsh, Manitoba, Canada for a master’s of science degree in aquatic biology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in May 2001. In addition to this, Vince has worked seasonal and full time field jobs in both wildlife and fisheries in Iowa, Idaho, and North Dakota before starting a job with IGS in April 2004 as a wetland monitoring biologist.

Lisa Fascher, Research Geologist
lisa.fascher@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 530-5111

Lisa received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from The University of Iowa in 2003 and her master’s degree in Environmental Science and Water Resources from Indiana University in 2005. While at Indiana University she worked with the Indiana Clean Lakes Program and coordinated the Indiana Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Prior to joining the Section, she worked at the University Hygienic Laboratory where she was mainly involved in the ambient lake sampling program.

Jacklyn Gautsch, Natural Resource Biologist
jackie.gautsch@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 205-8581 or (319) 335-1761

Jackie's primary duties include training IOWATER volunteers, coordinating volunteers and watershed groups within IOWATER and biological monitoring. Jackie has participated in a variety of biological research projects including herpetological studies with the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, a study on caddisflies with the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, and a fish-monitoring program with the Upper Mississippi Long Term Resource Monitoring Program, the University of Wisconsin, and the IDNR. She has also held a variety of positions with the Girl Scouts of Riverland, and joined the Section in January 2001. She has a bachelor of science degree in biology and earth science from the University of Wisconsin.

Brandon Harland, Natural Resource Biologist
brandon.harland@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 281-3150

Since joining the Section, Brandon has conducted the monitoring of lakes ecosystems in fulfillment of the DNR’s Clean Water Act and other DNR lake information needs. Brandon graduated from Iowa State University’s fisheries sciences program in 1997, and worked for the Iowa DNR’s Fisheries Bureau during that time. In December 2003, Brandon earned a Masters degree in fisheries science at South Dakota State University by surveying the fishes and habitat of western South Dakota streams. Prior to coming on board with the Section, he worked as a fisheries biologist for North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission. Brandon has worked in the Section since August 2004.

Rebecca Kauten, Urban Water Coordinator
rebecca.kauten.dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 415-0476

Rebecca has been working on urban water quality projects in Iowa since 2004. She currently incorporates IOWATER with education and outreach programs for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4 communities, and watershed projects that have an urban focus. She holds a BA in English and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Northern Iowa. Her graduate research focused on Phase II of the Clean Water Act and municipal stormwater management programs as locally-led water quality efforts. Prior to working with IOWATER, Rebecca was a watershed project coordinator for the Dry Run Creek project in Black Hawk County. In 2009 she became one of only 50 Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) in Iowa.

Ken Krier, Environmental Specialist
ken.krier@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 242-5184

Ken joined the DNR in 1997 and transferred to his current position in 2000. Ken's major responsibilities include: assisting with fish tissue monitoring, biological monitoring, and providing assistance for the completion of the 305(b) Water Quality report. Other duties include participation in the stressor identification process and responding to information requests both inside and outside of the Department. Ken has a B.A. (1993) and M.S. (1996) from the University of Northern Iowa.

Richard Langel, Research Geologist
richard.langel@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-4102

Rick joined the Water Monitoring Section in May 2001. He received his master's degree in geology from the University of Iowa in 1996, and began working for the Geological Survey in 1998. He has worked on a variety of projects, ranging from working with well drillers to coordinating a watershed-monitoring program. Rick also has a strong computer background and provides important database management skills for the program.

Patricia Lohmann, Information Specialist
pat.lohmann@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-1593

Pat develops and coordinates the production of graphic materials, including maps, drawings, graphs, and photos to enhance the readability and utility of IGS reports and other information products; designs and formats publications, prepares printing specifications, and handles printing contracts by working with State Printing Division and printing companies.

Jason McCurdy, Beach Monitoring Coordinator
jason.mccurdy@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-1591

Jason received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies in Geography with a minor in Biology from the University of Iowa in August of 2006. He began working for the Section as a student in the summer of 2005 and became a full-time employee following graduation in 2006. Since joining the Section, Jason has worked on a number of data collection projects, focused mostly on beach monitoring. He currently coordinates the Beach Monitoring Program and serves as the Oakdale Water Lab Manager.

Jamie Mootz, Statistical Research Analyst
jamie.mootz@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 242-0001

Jamie joined the DNR in 1997 and began working with the Water Monitoring and Assessment section in 2000. He received his B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University in 1996. His current job duties include: database development, fish kill tracking, biological assessments, and assisting with the 305(b) Water Quality report.

John Olson, Environmental Specialist Senior
john.olson@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 281-8905

John has worked for Iowa DNR since 1985. Since 1994, he has coordinated the following: Iowa's annual fish contaminant monitoring program, preparation of the state's biennial water quality reports as required by Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, and preparation of Iowa's lists of "impaired waters" as required by Section 303(d) of the Act. He has conducted biological assessments on many of Iowa's wadeable streams as part of IDNR projects on stream classification (1990-95) and development of biological criteria (1994 to present). John represents Iowa DNR on several interstate organizations including the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association's Water Quality Task Force. John has a bachelor of science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University (1981) with an emphasis in fisheries biology.

Lynette Seigley, Research Geologist
lynette.seigley.dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-1598

Lynette received her undergraduate degree in geology from the College of Wooster in Ohio and her graduate degree, also in geology, from the University of Iowa. She has worked as a research geologist for the IGS since 1987, on a variety of projects addressing the impacts of nonpoint source pollution on both surface water and groundwater.  Since January 2000, Lynette has worked in the Section and has been extensively involved in the IOWATER program.

Dr. Mary Skopec, IOWATER Coordinator and Research Geologist
mary.skopec@dnr.iowa.gov
(319) 335-1579

Mary has worked in the IGS since 1991 and has been involved in several projects including a statewide pesticide database to track pesticide occurrences in Iowa's water resources. In January 2000, she moved to the Water Monitoring Section where she helps to coordinate and analyze data from the new Ambient Water Monitoring Program.  Mary earned her B.S. and M.A. degrees in geography from the University of Iowa, and in 1999 she completed her Ph.D. in environmental science.

Brian Soenen, Project AWARE Coordinator
brian.soenen@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 205-8587

Brian began work for the Section in March 2002. He earned his bachelor's degree in natural history interpretation in 2000 from the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to coming to the IDNR, Brian worked as a project interpreter for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Coralville Lake in Johnson County. In addition to IOWATER data interpretation, Brian's focus is the development and facilitation of IOWATER Level 2 Modules, specifically the Water Ecology module and the Secondary Educators module.

Tom Wilton, Environmental Specialist Senior
tom.wilton@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 281-8867

Since joining the Department in 1990, Tom has worked on a variety of surface water quality projects throughout Iowa. Tom coordinated the development and implementation of stream biological assessment methods and criteria, and helps conduct annual stream management workshops. Other project involvements include: probabilistic (random) survey of Iowa’s perennial rivers and streams, stressor identification for stream biological impairments, and hydropower project review of water quality impacts. Tom recently worked in the lake restoration program and serves on the nutrient criteria technical advisory committee. He is also co-chair of the DNR committee that is developing restoration priorities for Iowa’s rivers and streams. Tom received a B.S. (1979) degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University and M.S. degree (1989) in Water Resources from the University of Minnesota.