Michael Siefkes

Michael Siefkes serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, while concurrently holding the position of Sea Lamprey Program Deputy Director at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He administers international sea lamprey control operations across the Great Lakes in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

His educational background includes a B.S. in Water Resources and Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University. This academic foundation directly supports his dual-career trajectory in both academia and fisheries management.

Dr. Siefkes' research program focuses on advancing sea lamprey control through investigations into fish physiology and behavior, with specialized emphasis on chemosensory communication mechanisms. His work coordinates semiochemical and supplemental control research with scientists from Michigan State University, other academic institutions, and government agencies to develop ecosystem-based management strategies for the Great Lakes. This research directly addresses invasive species impacts on regional ecology and economic stability.

While no specific scientific awards are documented in the available materials, his leadership in international fisheries management demonstrates significant professional recognition. Dr. Siefkes maintains active research collaborations across institutional boundaries, though no student advisees or grant details are publicly listed. His operational focus remains on translating biological research into practical sea lamprey control solutions through multidisciplinary team coordination.