Matt has overseen the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's fish genetics lab since 2001.  He started in the field of fisheries genetics in 1995 working in Matt Powell's lab at the University of Idaho.  Most of his initial research focused on resident fish:  Hybridization between northern pikeminnow and chiselmouth; hybridization between rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.  Early on with IDFG he spent a significant amount of time researching the genetic population structure and phylogeography of Idaho's state fish the cutthroat trout.  More recently, he has focused on developing genetic programs that assist in the management and conservation of anadromous steelhead and Chinook salmon populations.  Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Tami and two dogs (Avery and Petty).  Some of his hobbies include hiking/camping, pottery, listening to music, movie watching and reading.  Education M.S., Fisheries, University of Idaho, 2001.