Phil Saporito

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Watershed Sciences

Phil Saporito is a master's student in the Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University, where he also works with the USGS Cooperative Unit in the Technical and Experimental Aquatics Laboratory (TEAL Lab). His research focuses on the Trojan Y chromosome (YY) strategy for controlling invasive Red Shiner populations in the American Southwest. This innovative method aims to skew sex ratios in invasive fish populations, eventually leading to their local extinction. Phil’s research involves assessing the health impacts of feminizing male Red Shiner and evaluating the effectiveness of sex-identification markers for large-scale YY strategy implementation. Phil is instrumental in advancing the TEAL Lab, contributing to its transformation into a state-of-the-art facility, and collaborating on related aquaculture projects, including those focused on Channel Catfish and Common Carp. Additionally, he served as a teaching assistant for the WATS Ichthyology course, fostering the next generation of natural resource scientists. Phil’s work is poised to provide essential data for state and federal agencies to regulate invasive species management practices. His dedication to advancing both scientific research and education aligns with the mission of the Quinney College of Natural Resources and exemplifies his potential as a leader in environmental science.