Mark Chynoweth

2025 Peak Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year Award Nominee

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

Mark Chynoweth

Mark Chynoweth is an associate professor in the Quinney College of Natural Resources at the USU Uintah Basin Statewide Campus. Known for his experiential teaching methods, he holds the core belief that student research should start early and occur often. Since he began his career, Mark has engaged undergraduate students in his own research focused on conservation biology and wildlife ecology, as well as mentored students pursuing their own research interests. In his teaching-focused role at USU, Mark includes independent research project assignments in his undergraduate classes, allowing him to facilitate practical learning and encourage critical thinking. He builds off these class experiences by offering research internships, and he has directly mentored more than 30 undergraduate students in paid, hands-on research. Projects cover a variety of applied natural resource management topics, such as biological diversity in protected areas, management of endangered species, and evaluation of management actions in wetland ecosystems. These experiences offer Mark's students, many of whom are post-traditional learners, a unique opportunity for place-based, hands-on education. This helps USU students complete their degrees and secure full-time natural resource management positions, pursue advanced education, enter private consulting, and make positive contributions to the environment and their local community.