About Tait

Tait Rutherford started his PhD in Watershed Science in 2026. His research explores river-basin water governance in the western United States. He previously worked as a social scientist for the US Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center, conducting research to support the use of science to inform decision making and environmental impact analysis on public lands. He has also worked as a National Environmental Policy Act planner and interdisciplinary team lead for the US Forest Service in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana.

Google Scholar Profile

Interests

  • Cross-jurisdictional and multi-level water governance in the western United States
  • Adapting water management and policy to changing fire regimes
  • Actionability and usability of science for natural resource managers

Education

MS, Forest Sciences - Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, 2018

BA, Political Science - Columbia University
New York, 2016

Graduate & Advisor Program

Dr. Tamee Albrecht
PhD Program, Watershed Science