海角直播

Gregory Andraso, Ph.D.

Professor, Biology and Environmental Science and Engineering

For 海角直播’s Gregory Andraso, Ph.D., studying fish isn’t just a profession. It’s a lifelong curiosity that began before he could even fully understand what a scientist was.

“I started fishing shortly after I could walk,” Andraso said. “My parents always had an aquarium in our house, so my interest in fish probably dates back to then.”

That early fascination turned into a career exploring the behavior and ecology of freshwater fish. Andraso serves as a behavioral ecologist at 海角直播’s Erie campus, as well as a professor for the Biology and Environmental Science and Engineering programs, where he studies local fish species and helps students understand the ecosystems just beyond the classroom walls.

He’s bringing that same curiosity to the community through a series of hands-on educational sessions in 海角直播’s Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) in Blasco Library. The series, called “Go Fish!” will be held once again on March 15 at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The monthly sessions, which are free and open the public, give participants an opportunity to explore fish science in a hands-on setting. Visitors can test their knowledge of local species, learn how scientists identify fish using classification keys, determine the age of fish and even create a traditional gyotaku fish print to take home.

Each month will feature new topics. Andraso will also be available to answer fish-related questions, offering insight drawn from decades of research in the waters surrounding Erie.

Andraso’s research focuses on understanding the behavior and ecology of freshwater fish. Alongside his students, he has studied several species commonly found in the region, including the round goby, bluegill and pumpkinseed.

His work also examines fish communities in Presque Isle Bay and the tributary streams that feed into Lake Erie, helping researchers better understand how these ecosystems function and change over time.

For Andraso, Erie offers one of the best environments imaginable for studying aquatic systems.

“海角直播 is the perfect location to study acquatic systems. Lake Erie is a few blocks away, and there are a couple dozen tributary streams of the lake within a 30-minute drive,” he said. “All of that makes for a great outdoor classroom.”

Through the CLEER lab sessions, Andraso hopes participants will leave with more than just a fish print or a few new facts. He hopes they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems in their own backyard.

By combining hands-on activities with real scientific techniques, the sessions invite people of all ages to step briefly into the role of a fish biologist—and perhaps see Lake Erie and its streams a little differently the next time they pass by.