University of Nevada Reno

Dr. Zeb Hogan began his professional career with an internship at an aquarium in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, his sophomore year in high school. Later, in college, at the University of Arizona, summer jobs working with endangered native fish solidified his interest in freshwater biodiversity, in particular, endangered species issues. Working on fish conservation projects in his native Arizona eventually led him to graduate school to become a conservation biologist, and ultimately to dedicate his career to the study and protection of freshwater fish.

Zeb has spent the past 20 years studying the world’s freshwater ecosystems, working to merge conservation science with conservation education and action. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Nevada–Reno, a National Geographic Society Explorer, United Nations Convention on Migratory Species Scientific Councilor for Fish. Zeb also hosts the National Geographic television series “Monster Fish.”

Zeb’s research includes contributions to understanding the migratory patterns and population status of vulnerable fish species; designation of the giant Mekong catfish as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and awareness-raising through international media and local communications about the plight of endangered fish species and their habitats.

Zeb’s passion for freshwater comes partially from his love, fascination, and curiosity about aquatic habitats and partially from a recognition that freshwater fish are one of nature’s true underdogs: misunderstood, understudied, and severely threatened by human activity. He gets inspiration from the hope that we can find balance between our needs as humans and the need to preserve increasingly fragile freshwater ecosystems.