Overview

The Colorado State University Student Sub-Unit of the American Fisheries Society is a nonprofit, student run organization. The mission of the CSU Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is to enhance the education and professional development of its members to help them become leading fisheries professionals dedicated to advancing the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems.  Officially, we are a sub-unit of the Colorado Wyoming Chapter and national organization of the American Fisheries Society. Our by-laws can be found HERE.

 

Join AFS! Our current members are a very social group and represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Only minimal membership dues are required and students are welcome to join at any club event.  Benefits of becoming a member include updates and invites to AFS events, fishing tips, career networking opportunities, presentations from leading fishery industry professionals, and discounted membership in the national chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

Becoming involved with the American Fisheries Society is an excellent opportunity to meet new people with the same interests. AFS members can participate in exciting events including habitat restoration projects, group fishing trips, the annual College Lake fishing derby, snorkeling local river systems, Western Division of the AFS meetings, the Colorado/Wyoming AFS meeting, and community events.

 

CLUB MEETINGS:  Both undergraduate and graduate students that attend meetings can meet experts in every area of fisheries and aquatic biology, and acquire information about academic and professional opportunities.

MEETING TIME/PLACE: AFS CSU meets every other Thursday evening at 5:30 pm in Wagar 132. Pizza will be available for attendees.

Spring 2026 Schedule:

  • January 29th: Estevan Vigil – CPW Aquatic Biologist
  • February 12th: Ashley Ficke – Fisheries Ecologist at GEI Consulting
  • February 26th: Jacob Williams – Aquatic Research Coordinator
  • March 12th: Rosalee Reese – USFS Fish Biologist
  • March 26th: Caroline Rosinski – WDGF Fish Biologist
  • April 9th: Joanna Hatt – NMDGF Native Fish Supervisor
  • April 23rd: Jake Mazzone – Jicarilla Apache Nation Fish Biologist
  • May 7th: Otolith keychain workshop

 

 

 

LIVE AQUARIUM DISPLAYS: CSU AFS manages four live aquarium displays to help raise awareness and improve education about aquatic species and their habitats. The aquariums are located in the Wagar Building at CSU and include a tropic community fish display, a Colorado native fish display, a Colorado native amphibian display, and a Colorado endangered species display. Check out our display education posters and stop by Wagar Building next time you are on campus.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FLYCASTERS: For students that are particularly interested in flyfishing, feel free to check out Trout Unlimited’s Rocky Mountain Flycasters. RMF holds monthly meetings with fly tying demos and speakers, along with restoration and community outreach opportunities; all in which CSU AFS members are welcome to attend. For more information check out their website.

 

CONTACT

 US: Email: [email protected]

Officers

Moira Benish-Kingsbury, President
Hello! I’m a fourth year studying fisheries biology, and I’m originally from Conifer, Colorado. I have loved all things aquatic, especially native and endangered species, since I was young, but I didn’t know I could make a career out of it until I got to CSU! In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping. 

 

 

 

Alex Wagner, Vice President

What’s up I’m Alex! I’m a fourth year student studying fisheries science and from Littleton, CO! My love of aquatic biology has always come more from the science than the sport, so surprisingly, I’m not much of an angler in my free time, instead I like to do a lot of trophy fish art!

 

 

Sarah Veldhuizen, Treasurer

My name is Sarah and I am a 4th year fisheries and aquatic science student. For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with freshwater ecosystems. My love of fish and aquatic invertebrates is in part fueled by my long-time passion for fly fishing. I am from St. Louis, Missouri and consequently, have a soft spot for our native, warmwater, ‘rough’ fish.  

 

 

Sam McCowan, Student Liaison 

Hey! My name is Sam McCowan. I’m from York, Maine and I am going into my senior year, majoring in FWCB with a fisheries and aquatic sciences concentration. I grew up fishing the ocean, which is where my love for protecting fish started. 

 

 

Student Holding Fish

Max Griffith, Aquarium Curator

My name is Max Griffith and I am from Fort Collins CO. I am studying Natural Resources Management with a minor in Fisheries Biology. I love the biology of fish and fishing as a pass time.

 

 

 

Ava Hoefler, Aquarium Curator

Hi, I’m Ava Hoefler and I’m a junior from St. Louis, MO. I am studying Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology with a focus in conservation. I am one of the aquarium curators for the 2025-2026 school year and I am looking forward to maintaining a healthy and happy environment for our animals. Beyond school I enjoy fishing, photography, and traveling. 

 

 

Dr. Yoichiro Kanno, Faculty Advisor
Hi all, my name is Dr. Yoichiro Kanno, I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan. I developed my enthusiasm for fish as a kid by going saltwater fishing and keeping tropical fish tanks at home. I received my B.A. (law) in Japan, M.E.S. (environmental studies) in Canada and Ph.D. in natural resources at the University of Connecticut. Prior to joining CSU in Fall 2017, I was a faculty member at Clemson University, South Carolina. I study stream fish ecology and conservation, with a broad interest in genetics,  behavior, population and community dynamics, and landscape ecology. My current research projects are located not only in Colorado, but also in the eastern USA and Japan. I have worked with undergraduate students on research projects and look forward to working with members of the CSU AFS Student Subunit on local aquatic research and outreach issues.

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting: February 12th: Ashley Ficke – Fisheries Ecologist at GEI Consulting

 

Stay tuned for more details here and on our Facebook and Instagram pages!!!

Facebook: American Fisheries Society Colorado State University

Instagram: afs_colostate

 

For more information, contact [email protected]