Braided Education Consulting

Salmon in the classroom time again!!

Collaborating to bring in-field learning opportunities to Spokane elementary students Most of us may not remember the days spent sitting at a desk in elementary school but can clearly recall details of long-ago field trips or…

Dr. Brent Nichols ('95, '99) Elected 2nd Vice President, American Fisheries Society

From the Gulf of Mexico to the San Juan Islands, Brent Nichols’ career in marine science has taken him across the country—and around the world. A proud Jax State alumnus with both a BS and MS in Biology (Marine Science concentration), he credits his time at Jacksonville State University for laying the foundation of a truly global journey.

"It was a period of growth and change," he recalls of the mid-'90s. “We were shown that to be a future leader, we needed to focus on our studies but still have fun and develop friendships that last, while having respect for ourselves, our abilities, and others.”

Thanks to the mentorship of dedicated faculty like Drs. Frank Romano, George Cline, Safaa Al-Hamdani, Roger Sauterer, and former department head Dr. Bill Bowen, Nichols and his peers were pushed to go beyond the classroom—writing grants, presenting research, and publishing in national journals. Those experiences prepared him for a lifelong career in science and leadership.

Today, we’re proud to celebrate his recent election as 2nd Vice President of the American Fisheries Society, putting him on track to serve as AFS President in 2028–2029.

“My time at Jax State helped prepare me for my future career by providing me with a skill set to adapt to an ever-changing environment.”

His advice to current students? “Get involved, take chances, meet people, and work hard. Create the foundation for the next generation to build upon.”

📖 Read more: https://fisheries.org/2025/05/brent-nichols-elected-second-vice-president-of-afs/

Waikiki learning experience May 2025 Thank you to everyone that made the day possible

Polo Hernandez

Salmon release with Cheney SD and Mead SD Lisa Hoxie, Ron Hoxie, student Daniel, Micki, Anna Claire, Craig Hill, Kristen Labre, Susan Brown, Meriah, Melisa, Aaron Penny, Conor Georgi, Coeur d’Alene anf Spokane Tribe, Jule and team and many wonderful students, sorry if I missed anyone. I will be posting more and will keep adding