Kristopher Andrew Maxson

Kristopher Andrew Maxson serves as an Associate Research Scientist specializing in Large River Fish Ecology at the Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois. His research program focuses on freshwater ecosystems in major North American river systems with particular emphasis on the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River Basin.

His primary research interests include:

• River ecology and large river systems
• Fish population dynamics and demographics
• Invasive species impacts (particularly Asian Carp and Round Goby)
• Native fish conservation (especially Smallmouth Buffalo)
• Floodplain-river interactions
• Human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

Dr. Maxson's recent publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing fish population structures, invasion ecology, and anthropogenic effects on river habitats. His work frequently examines how vessel traffic, invasive species, and river management practices affect water quality and fish communities across large river systems.

His research appears in leading journals including Journal of Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology of Fishes, Science of the Total Environment, and Ecosphere. Dr. Maxson maintains active collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly with Solomon L.E., DeBoer J.A., Harris B.S., and Lamer J.T. on river ecology projects.

His scientific contributions provide critical data for river management agencies and inform conservation strategies for native fish populations facing challenges from invasive species and habitat alteration.