We are funded by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to perform population genomic analyses on samples relevant to their management goals. Projects include examination of hybridization between westslope cutthroat, rainbow trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, genetic monitoring of bull trout and Arctic grayling, hatchery genetic monitoring, and other smaller projects that focus on native fishes of Montana.

State Geneticists

Ryan Kovach

Ryan has a B.S. from the University of Montana and a PhD in Wildlife Biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He completed a post-doc at the Flathead Biological Station and was a Mendenhall Fellow with the U.S. Geological Survey. As the statewide fish conservation geneticist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Ryan uses genetic data and theory to inform the conservation and management of Montana's various native fishes. Ryan works extensively with natural resource managers from other state and federal agencies and collaborates with researchers throughout North America and beyond. He is particularly interested in the conservation, evolution and ecology of salmonid fishes. Much of his previous and ongoing research examines how humans impact contemporary evolutionary processes in trout, salmon and char and whether human-induced evolutionary changes subsequently influence short- and long-term population persistence. In this broad arena, he has focused extensively on the conservation genetic and ecological implications of climate change for anadromous and inland salmonids. Ryan is concerned he may undo many positive conservation impacts by tirelessly trying to catch all manners of fish with creatures from his true laboratory (fly tying-bench), but cannot stop himself from doing so.

Robb Leary

Robb has provided data and advice to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks through contracted work or formally as the state fisheries geneticist for the last 30 years.  He continues to fill that role, and at the moment is working on various special projects for Montana FWP.

Research Professionals

Angela Lodmell

Angela Lodmell grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and holds degrees from the University of Strathclyde and the University of Dundee. She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Brown University and the IGBMC near Strasbourg, France. She has three sons and took a 10-year hiatus from science to be at home with them. She joined the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Conservation Genetics Lab in 2007. She enjoys hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing.

Sally Painter

Sally Painter grew up outside of Seattle and graduated with a B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Washington. She worked in Seattle at a biotech company until the traffic got unbearable and then moved to Missoula to work for Dr. Mary Poss, whose research focused on HIV and FIV virus evolution. She began working in the Conservation Genetics Lab about 12 years ago. When not working, she likes to spend time with her family or run the endless number of trails around Missoula.