Jason is currently a Research Specialist at the Texas Water Resource Institute in College Station, Texas. The Institute is associated with the Texas A&M University AgriLife Research Program.
His position provides leadership and support for watershed assessment, planning, and management programs. His tasks are, but not limited to, installing field sites, collecting, and assessing water quality data, developing watershed plans, determining stream TMDLs, and to prepare educational resources for stakeholders and the public.
What led you to a natural resources education/career?
My passion for the outdoors and agriculture led me to a natural resources career. There is a balance that must be met between providing sustainable agriculture and natural resource/environmental management. I hope that I can be the boots on the ground to find that middle ground that ensures that we are protecting our environment while also allowing for lucrative and sustainable agricultural production.
What do you identify as your 'big break?' Did CSU have anything to do with it?
My break came through studying abroad during my watershed science degree and working with the CSU Water Quality Project along with the NESB Hydrology Lab. These positions allowed me to deeply understand the nexus of hydrology and agriculture. They provided me with the tools and resources to better understand the natural environment, but also ways that we can remediate hydrological issues for future generations. Additionally, my semester abroad showed me how other countries deal with similar challenges we face at home, and it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree while living in Europe.
What are you up to now in your job? Any noteworthy projects to discuss? (or any recently completed etc.)?
These days I spend a lot of time in the field doing water quality monitoring for creeks, rivers, and streams across the state of Texas. Additionally, I am involved in a $10,000,000 USDA-NIFA grant looking at regenerative agricultural practices in row crop agriculture with some small watershed plots in North Texas and Oklahoma. This is a fun project to be a part of, and I mainly provide technical expertise in the field, as well as study the impacts of our practices on water quality and soil health. Finally, I manage a riparian restoration project and provide field support on looking at the effects of riparian restoration on water quality. When I am not in the field, I am mastering my ArcPro and R Studio skills, in between writing grants, and general project management.
Can you reflect on your time and experiences at CSU and how it benefited you?
I worked hard to be involved as much as I could at CSU. From club involvement, to working in research, I wanted to get as much knowledge out of the university as I could. These positions gave me confidence in my research and professional skills that I have taken with me everywhere. When I look back on my academic career at CSU, I think a lot about working in the Hydrology Lab, AgroEcology Lab, Water Quality lab, and my time abroad. These positions truly complimented my degree and allowed me to almost immediately apply what I was learning in the classroom to the real world. This allowed more material to really stick in my head and I remember much of what was learned in class.
How did CSU set you up for success in your career field?
The large network and resources I was able to create at CSU allowed me to have plenty of individuals to reach out to once I completed my degree. This network allowed me to acquire my job with relatively ease. So, to any students who read this, do not hesitate to reach out to people and shake as many hands as possible. Someday down the road, they may help you achieve your first career position.
What advice do you have for current students or recent grads?
Be involved as much as you can. Do not hesitate to get to know your professors and seek out differing opportunities. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Most importantly, make your academic career what you want it to be. If you have specific interests, discuss them with professors or advisers. Think outside of the box and stretch yourself, you may just find yourself in a few years in Iceland studying stream ecology or in Belgium looking at soil compaction. If you can think of it, there are many ways to make it possible.
Any recent professional awards or distinctions you may have received?
In 2021, I completed my Master of Science in Soil Science and Global Change from Aarhus University, Denmark and Ghent University, Belgium.