Taylor Fellowship will launch student to study world’s fisheries

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Kelsey Schlee, a zoology senior, will assess inland fisheries in some of the world’s most renowned rivers thanks to The William W. and Evelyn M. Taylor Endowed Fellowship for International Engagement in Coupled Human and Natural Systems.

The award provides $10,000 toward her studies.

Schlee is in the Lyman Briggs College with a science, technology, environment and public policy specialization. She is expected to graduate in May.

She will be working on a master’s degree at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom in a collaborative project with MSU, the University of Hull and the U.S. Geological Service.

Schlee will study fisheries of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, the Zambezi River in southern Africa and the inland waterways of Russia.

“The future of great river fisheries and allied resources rests largely on our ability to detect and predict changes in the river basin and their effects on fish diversity and productivity,” Schlee said. “To be part of the solution, I am seeking to become an effective and respected global fisheries scientist and the Taylor award is a tremendous opportunity.”

Taylor and his wife Evelyn established the fellowship to provide opportunities for fisheries and wildlife-related graduate students to significantly engage in understanding the scientific and cultural challenges and opportunities dealing with coupled human and natural systems at the global level. This interest is a result of the impact that the Taylors experience through multiple interactions with other cultures regarding the importance of fish, wildlife and water resources.

Bill Taylor, a university distinguished professor in global fisheries systems, served as chairperson of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife from 1992-2008 and acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources from 1999-2001. He also was president of American Fisheries Society.

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