Jason Vokoun

Jason Vokoun is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment at the University of Connecticut. With over 20 years of academic experience at UConn, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2004-2010) to Associate Professor (2010-2018) and currently serves as Professor and Department Head (2018-Present).

Dr. Vokoun earned his PhD in 2003 from the University of Missouri in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, following an MS (1999) from the same institution and a BS (1996) from the University of Nebraska in Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife.

His research focuses on aquatic ecosystems with particular emphasis on resource selection and habitat use of aquatic species, statistical modeling of habitat use, fish movement and migration, conservation of stream ecosystems, species of special conservation concern, and fisheries sampling issues dealing with sample sizes and effort. His work integrates ecological, genetic, and landscape approaches to address conservation challenges in freshwater systems.

Analysis of Dr. Vokoun's recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach combining fisheries science, conservation biology, and landscape ecology. His work frequently examines the intersection of habitat fragmentation, genetic population structure, and conservation management, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. A significant portion of his research focuses on Brook Trout conservation, examining genetic structuring across watersheds and the impacts of infrastructure like culverts on population connectivity. His publications also demonstrate expertise in thermal refuge ecology, mercury contamination in fish, and innovative wildlife monitoring techniques using camera traps.

Dr. Vokoun teaches several courses including Environmental Law, Fisheries Techniques, Natural Resources Planning and Management, and Fisheries Management. His teaching reflects his expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of natural resource management.