Jenna Crowe
Staff Writer
Professor Colden Baxter is an ecologist who teaches biology at ISU whose main research focus is in freshwater ecology. Along with the classes he teaches, Baxter works with students to give them hands-on experience in their field of research with trips into Idaho wilderness areas. Recently, he added a new notch to his belt, president of the Society of Freshwater Science.
Over the summer, Baxter took a team of graduate and undergraduate students into the mountains of Idaho to do research.
“We spent some time at the Taylor Wilderness Research Station for a few weeks,” said Baxter. “It was an intense field work experience and social experience for the students.”
Baxter also collaborates with colleges throughout the United States, such as Michigan Technical University.
While building his reputation within the nation, Baxter has started expanding his recognition within the international scientific community as well. Baxter has been a participant in the Society of Freshwater Science since he was a graduate student but was recently elected to the position of president.
“Being a participant in the SFS is key to connecting to a broad international community,” Baxter said.
Many previous presidents of the SFS were further along in their career when they were elected than Baxter, who received his Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from Oregon State University in 2002. For this reason, his election was surprising.
Baxter explained that it is both an honor and real opportunity for service.
During the first year of the three-year term, Baxter will serve as president elect, where he will train to serve as president in the following year.
When he enters the second year, his responsibilities will change. Currently he is serving as a liaison to international groups and works to increase the SFS’s role in the community.
In addition, Baxter is working diligently with the rest of the SFS leadership to plan next year’s annual meeting.
In the final year his title will change yet again, this time to past president, and he will work with and train the new president elect.
“Being president is an important responsibility, but it’s not a career,” said Baxter.
After finishing his three year term, Baxter hopes to continue to play a pivotal role in SFS leadership while trying to include more scientists in the society, particularly international scientists early in their career.
“My term as president reflects well on ISU’s biology department and the ecological science at ISU,” said Baxter. “ISU already has a long history of research and excellence, and this just brings more credit to the ecology at ISU.”
Outside of the SFS, Baxter hopes to continue his research.
Currently, Baxter is focusing on two major research projects.
The first project involves investigating the effect a fire has on freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers and lakes.
The second project is a study of the fish population within the Grand Canyon.
While these may be his main focus, Baxter continues to work on a variety of different active research projects, both locally and outside of the state.
