Steven Chipps

Steven Chipps is a Professor and Unit Leader of the USGS South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at South Dakota State University. His research focuses on aquatic food web ecology, fish bioenergetics, and fisheries management. He teaches graduate courses in aquatic trophic ecology and ecology of aquatic invertebrates. Chipps holds a Ph.D. from the University of Idaho, an M.S. from West Virginia University, and a B.S. from Davis and Elkins College. His work integrates quantitative tools like energy budgets and stable isotopes to address fisheries challenges. He is affiliated with the McFadden Biostress Laboratory and collaborates with organizations like the American Fisheries Society. His research emphasizes endangered species conservation, such as pallid sturgeon, and explores impacts of environmental variables on aquatic ecosystems.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Idaho
• M.S., West Virginia University
• B.S., Davis and Elkins College

Research Interests:

Chipps specializes in aquatic food web dynamics, fish energetics, and the application of bioenergetic models to fisheries management. His studies address predator-prey interactions, habitat restoration, and the effects of environmental stressors (e.g., hypoxia, water velocity) on fish survival and behavior. He also investigates the ecological impacts of invasive species and conservation strategies for endangered aquatic species.

Grants & Advising:

His research is supported by grants from federal and state agencies. While no specific student names are listed, Chipps actively advises graduate students on projects related to fish bioenergetics, telemetry, and ecosystem modeling. Collaborations include the U.S. Geological Survey and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department.

Labs & Teams:

He leads research in the McFadden Biostress Laboratory, focusing on aquatic organism responses to environmental stressors. His team employs advanced techniques such as acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis to study fish ecology and management.