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South-West U.S. Chapter

South-West U.S. Chapter

Chapter Chair

Frederic R. Govedich (govedich@suu.edu)

Chapter Co-Chair

Dan McGuire (dmcguire555@windstream.net)

Geographic Scope of Chapter

The geographic scope of the Southwestern Chapter of the Society for Freshwater Science includes Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and aquatic systems in the surrounding deserts, mountains, and connected river systems.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Southwestern Chapter of the Society for Freshwater Science is to provide resources and events including periodic meetings, workshops, networking events, public outreach opportunities, and other activities that will: 1. Foster communication between aquatic scientists, local, regional and federal agencies, private entities, and policymakers. 2. Promote collaborative research within the southwestern geographic region. 3. Encourage and facilitate the assessment of aquatic ecosystems within the geographic region. 4. Improve public awareness of issues related to water use, conservation, and the unique role that aquatic systems have in the arid southwest. 5. Foster interdisciplinary collaborations between the physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and other disciplines associated with the study and management of aquatic resources. 6. Act as a resource for the dissemination of knowledge on aquatic systems within the southwestern geographic region.

Membership Goal

The membership goal of the Southwestern Chapter of the Society for Freshwater Science is to serve a broad group of members who have an interest in the diverse freshwater environments of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah in the surrounding deserts, mountains, and connected river systems. This includes providing resources and events such as periodic meetings, workshops, networking events, public outreach opportunities, and other activities for our membership. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in any aspects of freshwater ecosystems in the region and surrounding areas. 

About Dr. Govedich

Current Academic Position:
Professor (Full) of Biology at Southern Utah University

Education:
Ph.D. in Biology from Monash University (Australia), 2001

Master of Science in Biology from Northern Arizona University, 1996

Bachelor of Science in Biology (Summa Cum Laude, with research) from Northern Arizona University, 1994

Associate of General Studies (with Honors) from Yavapai College, 1992

Research Interests (Biology):
I am interested in various aspects of aquatic ecology, animal behavior, and invertebrate biology, including parental care strategies in leeches, leech population genetics, leech systematics, predator-prey interactions, feeding behavior, and migration within and between systems (migration, dispersal, etc.). Currently, I am working on several aspects of population biology, and animal behavior, including the reproductive strategies, parental care, sex allocation, and paternity in freshwater glossiphoniid leeches.