Aquatic Sciences

What We Do

Develop and disseminate knowledge about aquatic animals and their habitats, including aquaculture; interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; and fates and effects of pollutants; and appropriate management practices for the protection and use of aquatic ecosystems.
 

LEARN MORE About Us

Contact Us

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
fnr@purdue.edu
715 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 494-3590


PROGRAMS

VISIT

Aquatic Sciences

The Aquatic Sciences Major prepares students for professional careers in fisheries research and management, information and education, and interdisciplinary investigations of environmental problems with emphasis on fresh water systems. Aquatic Sciences has two concentrations: Marine and Freshwater Biology and Fisheries. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science Degree and meet certification requirement​s of the American Fisheries Society.

Concentrations available in the aquatic sciences major includes:

Gain valuable field experience through our practicums:

What do you do?
As an Aquatic Scientists, you are ch​arged with protecting and enhancing fish populations and aquatic communities. You work with streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, reservoirs systems and, potentially, aquaculture systems. You monitor fish and aquatic communities by collecting data on number and species of fish and other aquatic organisms, analyze food webs and food availability, and develop and implement management plans that increase the sustainability of these communities.

For aquatic publications, videos and other resources connecting decision-makers with aquatic science view:

Opportunities

Office of the Registrar Catalog

Choose what works best for you!

The FNR Office of Student Services is open from 8 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, except on University holidays.

Dr. Barny Dunning
Barny Dunning
Professor & Director of OSS
Phone: 765-494-3565
Email: jdunning@purdue.edu

Jackie Getzin
Jackie Getson, Interim Graduate
Program Coordinator (Current Students),
Research Associate & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 765-496-7406
Email: jgetson@purdue.edu

Megan Gunn
Megan Gunn, Recruitment and
Outreach Specialist
Phone: 765-494-7477
Email: mlgunn@purdue.edu

Maria Leatherwood
Maria Leatherwood, Sr. Academic Advisor
Program Coordinator (Prospective Students)
Phone: 765-496-4819
Email: meleathe@purdue.edu

Charlotte Owings
Charlotte Owings, Alumni, Scholarship, Awards, and Student Career Specialist
Phone: 765-494-0425
Email: freemac@purdue.edu
Julie Pluimer
Julie Pluimer, Assistant Director
Phone: 765-494-3629
Email: jpluimer@purdue.edu

Connect With Us

See student stories, photos and videos on Instagram (@Purdue FNR), Facebook (Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources), Twitter (@PurdueFNR) and YouTube (Purdue FNR).

Instagram

See what's happening

Lauren Schiller fishing at Deam Lake
FNR Field Report: Ren Schiller

Ren Schiller, a senior interdisciplinary agriculture major with a minor in aquatic sciences,...

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Autumn Hall holds a garter snake; Autumn holds two large redear sunfish; Autumn holds a baby barn owl
FNR Field Report: Autumn Hall

Autumn Hall, a sophomore wildlife major from Bedford, Indiana, worked as an intern with the...

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Shedd Aquarium research biologist Austin Happel with Purdue master's student Luke McGill holding acoustic sensors for a fish tracking project
Alumnus Austin Happel Turns Curiosity about Fish, Pet Store Job into Career at Shedd Aquarium

Growing up in Huntertown, Indiana, Austin Happel could often be found playing in the woods and a...

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A photo of the Swedish landscape including a rainbow in the distance
FNR Field Reports: Sweden Study Abroad Week 3 Update - Arlene Polar Pineiro

Throughout the 2023 Sustainable Natural Resources study abroad course in Sweden, FNR students...

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A double rainbow in Gallivare, Sweden
FNR Field Reports: Sweden Study Abroad Week 2 Update - Jonathan Shimizu

Throughout the 2023 Sustainable Natural Resources study abroad course in Sweden, FNR students...

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A pond at Martell Forest where fish were released in honor of longtime FNR staffer Jerry Stillings
FNR Honors Longtime Staff Member Jerry Stillings with Fish Release

Jerry Stillings, a 1963 wildlife alumnus and longtime information technology professional in the...

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