Natural Resources

James Stone

Fisheries Resources, Class of 2025

Hometown: Cressona, Pennsylvania

I am very excited for the year ahead at the University of Idaho. This fall semester is the first time I can dive into hands-on, specialized classes in conservation, aquaculture and other important concepts in fisheries. Having completed my general education classes, I can now tackle my main courses.

Working in the university’s Fish Health Lab, I’m gaining experience studying important issues impacting wild and stocked fish populations and contributing to meaningful research for fish hatcheries. Last semester, I applied for and received a $5,000 grant to conduct research on burbot, an important fish to Idaho’s rivers and many indigenous communities. Along with my faculty mentor Jessie Ma and U of I graduate student Megan Cox, I am helping further knowledge on burbot health. This project provides me with valuable laboratory and leadership experience.

Labs and classes this year explore both production and conservation aspects of fisheries. These twin facets work hand in hand and I am excited to explore their parallels and differences. Commercial aquaculture is a very young field that shows promise in taking pressure off wild fisheries; it has many career opportunities and space to make your own path.

Outside of my studies, I serve as vice president for The Hydroponics Club and attend meetings for the Palouse Unit of the American Fisheries Society and the U of I chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. I also serve as a student ambassador for the College of Natural Resources, assisting with student recruitment both on and off campus. After earning my degree, I want to further my education by enrolling in a graduate program, but I may take time to gain more field experience. I want to do research that is impactful to conservation and am taking advantage of every opportunity I can.

I fully believe the College of Natural Resources offers some of the best academic programs on campus. I haven’t met a single faculty member who doesn’t genuinely care about their students. Every single faculty member wants to help their students both in school and in life. They encourage all of us to get hands-on experience whenever we can. These opportunities are the reason I traveled 2,600 miles to go to the University of Idaho.

Through donor support, I’ve been able to gain experience in my field that will be invaluable to future employers. Thank you!

Scholarships have made it possible for me to attend U of I and opened avenues that let me put my full energies into courses and enriching extracurricular activities. Networking with experts and connecting with peers will be a great help as I enter the workforce. Through donor support, I've been able to gain experiences in my field that will be invaluable to future employers. Thank you!