Meet Bryan Gager, Niwot’s incoming lead aquatic research technician.

Bryan Gager joined the Niwot Ridge LTER in May after graduating from CU Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and geography.

Over the summer, Bryan will work closely with Sammy Yevak, Niwot’s outgoing lead aquatic research technician, to learn the ins and outs of aquatic data collection on Niwot Ridge.

Thrilled to welcome Bryan to our team and eager to learn more about him, we asked Bryan a few questions about himself and the path that led him to Niwot:

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado, just a few miles south of Boulder.

What were you doing before you started this job? Before I started this job, I was attending CU Boulder as a student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Geography departments. While I was a student, I worked in the Mountain Limnology Lab under Dr. Isabella Oleksy studying alpine lakes across the state.

What inspired you to apply for this position with Niwot? I have a passion for freshwater, and I was very excited about the possibility of working at an LTER alongside so many incredible scientists. I think long-term data is invaluable, and I really wanted to be a part of the work that happens at Niwot, as well as be able to share the science happening there with surrounding communities.

What are you most looking forward to about this position? I'm very excited to work alongside so many extremely talented scientists, both in the lab and in the field. I'm also really excited to engage in outreach opportunities!

Now that you have a couple weeks under your belt, is there anything that has been particularly interesting or surprising to you about field work on the Ridge so far? It boggles my mind how many projects and data streams are being created and maintained year-round. The collaboration is amazing! Niwot is wonderful example of science being a team sport.

What is your favorite treat you like to have after a long day in the field? After a long day in the field, I'm either getting Thai food or chipotle. Not sure why, they just always sound perfect.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? I love being outside in all sorts of ways including fly fishing, climbing, mountain biking, running—really anything that gets me out in the sun! I also dabble in playing guitar and banjo, as well as watercolor painting.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help us get to know you better? I'm very honored to be able to step into this position, and I look forward to being able to learn more about the folks that have made, and continue to make, Niwot what it is today.

Thank you, Bryan. We are fortunate that you chose to join our team and are excited to work with you as well!