Susan Washko

Susan Washko serves as a Lecturer within the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability at Western Colorado University, specializing in aquatic ecosystems and environmental science education.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Fisheries Conservation & Management, University of Arizona (2023)
• MS in Ecology, Utah State University (2018)
• BS in Environmental Science, Allegheny College (2016)

Dr. Washko's research centers on hidden aquatic ecosystems, with fieldwork spanning desert water pockets, remote rivers, and marsh environments. She investigates survival strategies of aquatic invertebrates while emphasizing field-based experiential learning for students. Her work bridges water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and conservation biology, particularly focusing on fragile desert aquatic habitats. She actively promotes "river magic" through student engagement in hands-on ecological exploration.

Her teaching integrates Water Studies, Environmental Management, and Ecology programs at Western Colorado University, with emphasis on practical field applications and ecological analysis methodologies.