Director of the Clean Water Institute, Research and Teaching Associate of Biology
Areas of Expertise: Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Conservation & Management, Ecology and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians
Matt joined Lycoming in May 2023 as the Director of the Clean Water Institute & Research and Teaching Associate in Biology. Kaunert earned his B.S. in biology from Allegheny College and M.S. in biology from Georgia Southern University. Before joining Lycoming, Matt worked as a biological scientist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s American Alligator Research Section and conducted threatened and endangered species research with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Kaunert is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Ohio University regarding Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis) conservation in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Through the use of novel monitoring techniques, this ongoing work aims to bridge information gaps in Cryptobranchid demography, behavior, and reproductive ecology to inform conservation strategies for this iconic Appalachian amphibian.
Matt looks forward to continuing the tradition of the Clean Water Institute by providing unique experiential learning opportunities to undergraduates and conducting innovative research aimed at conserving Pennsylvania’s vast network of freshwater systems.