Full Bio
Austen joined Midwest Biodiversity Institute in 2026 as a Fish Biologist (in Training). Prior to joining MBI, he worked as a Research Technician at The Ohio State University under Brian Zimmerman, assisting with research focused on the conservation and reintroduction of rare, threatened, and endangered non-game fish species in Ohio. He also previously worked with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, assisting with fish population surveys and natural resource management in Northeast Ohio.
He earned a Master’s of Environment and Natural Resources from The Ohio State University in May 2026, where his graduate research focused on pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and provided experience in field research, data collection and analysis, and laboratory work. He earned his B.S. in Parks, Conservation, and Natural Resource Mgt. from Slippery Rock University in 2020.
A member of the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA), Austen has attended its annual conventions to connect with fisheries biologists and native fish enthusiasts. His interest in native fishes also extends to keeping native sunfish, minnows, dace, and darters in aquariums. At MBI, he is continuing to develop his experience in fish ecology and biological monitoring while working toward his Fish Biology Level 3 QDC certification from the Ohio EPA.