Research Branch Mission
To conduct robust research and provide scientific information to inform and support the sound management and professional stewardship of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources, and to ensure the credibility of the Department’s science.
Research goals
Address the Department’s programmatic management information needs.
Provide research findings, scientific expertise, guidance, and training to inform management decisions and activities, sustain a skilled Department workforce, and maintain the Department’s role as a leader in wildlife management.
Build and maintain research partnerships, outside funding, and a high level of expertise within the Branch to maximize Research Branch productivity and quality.
Our main office is located in Phoenix but we conduct projects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout Arizona, and provide biometrics support to the Department. Research projects address a wide range of topics and are intended to provide information to inform management decisions. This information often includes aspects of population dynamics, habitat relations, predator-prey interactions, population monitoring techniques, and the effect of management or development actions.
In addition to management-oriented research, we also engage in information transfer by sharing research findings, scientific expertise, and training to sustain a skilled Department workforce.
Funding comes from a variety of sources, including Federal funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, as well as various contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with other state, federal, or private organizations.
Contact information
Esther Rubin, PhD
Research Branch Chief – erubin@azgfd.gov
Cherel McCracken
Research Programs & Project Specialist II – cmccracken@azgfd.gov
Ryan Mann, MS
Aquatic Research Program Manager – rmann@azgfd.gov
Reilly Jackson, PhD
Terrestrial Research Program Manager – rjackson@azgfd.gov
Matthew Clement, PhD
Research Branch Biometrician – mclement@azgfd.gov
Chrissy Byerly
Research Branch Administrative Assistant III – lbyerly@azgfd.gov
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