Nathaniel (Than) Hitt, PhD
Dr. Nathaniel (Than) P. Hitt is a Research Fish Biologist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia
He holds a B.A. in Biology from the College of Wooster, an M.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech. Dr. Hitt’s research investigates freshwater fish ecology from a landscape perspective, focusing on stream ecosystems in the Appalachian highlands. His research includes:
- Modeling fish habitat and population/community responses to environmental change
- Forecasting effects of climate change for fish habitat in headwater streams
- Effects of stream flow and temperature on fish population dynamics
- Optimizing conservation and restoration planning for native fishes
Professional Experience
2009-present: Research Fish Biologist, US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center
2015-present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University
2008-2009: Postdoctoral Researcher, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center
2007-2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
2007-2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
1999-2002: Graduate Research Assistant, University of Montana, Division of Biological Sciences
Education and Certifications
2007 PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
2002 MS, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, Division of Biological Sciences, Organismal Biology and Ecology
1996 BA, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH Biology, Honors
Science and Products
Shale Gas Development and Brook Trout: Scaling Best Management Practices to Anticipate Cumulative Effects
Histologic, immunologic and endocrine biomarkers indicate contaminant effects in fishes of the Ashtabula River
Experimental and environmental factors affect spurious detection of ecological thresholds
Hierarchical spatial structure of stream fish colonization and extinction
Metacommunity theory as a multispecies, multiscale framework for studying the influence of river network structure on riverine communities and ecosystems
Fish community and bioassessment responses to stream network position
Longitudinal structure in temperate stream fish communities: evaluating conceptual models with temporal data
Evidence for fish dispersal from spatial analysis of stream network topology
Spread of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, and nonnative rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Shale Gas Development and Brook Trout: Scaling Best Management Practices to Anticipate Cumulative Effects
Histologic, immunologic and endocrine biomarkers indicate contaminant effects in fishes of the Ashtabula River
Experimental and environmental factors affect spurious detection of ecological thresholds
Hierarchical spatial structure of stream fish colonization and extinction
Metacommunity theory as a multispecies, multiscale framework for studying the influence of river network structure on riverine communities and ecosystems
Fish community and bioassessment responses to stream network position
Longitudinal structure in temperate stream fish communities: evaluating conceptual models with temporal data
Evidence for fish dispersal from spatial analysis of stream network topology
Spread of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, and nonnative rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.