Justin VanDeHey

Justin VanDeHey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Water Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. With a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, he combines teaching and research to address applied fisheries and aquatic ecology challenges. His academic roles include teaching courses in Fisheries Management, Fisheries Research, and Introduction to Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Sciences.

• Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science – South Dakota State University
• M.S. in Natural Resources (Fisheries Emphasis) – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
• B.S. in Biology – University of Wisconsin-Superior

VanDeHey’s research focuses on fish community ecology, population genetics, and aquatic food web dynamics. His work integrates genetic tools with ecological modeling to understand fish population structures and community interactions. Recent publications emphasize habitat management for Walleye, genetic diversity in Lake Sturgeon, and the ecological impacts of Bullhead species in Wisconsin lakes.

His research program, the Applied Fisheries Ecology Lab, addresses fisheries sustainability through empirical studies and ecosystem-based management strategies. VanDeHey’s scholarly contributions span genetic stock delineation in Lake Whitefish, Bullhead removal impacts, and life history analyses of temperate lake species.

He holds leadership roles in the American Fisheries Society (AFS), including:

• Chair of AFS Board of Professional Certification (2017–present)
• Chair of AFS Board of Appeals (2017–present)
• Co-Chair of AFS Membership Committee (2018–2020)