Dylan Keel

Ecologist and eDNA Expert

Dylan is an Ecologist at RES whose work focuses on aquatic ecosystems, fisheries conservation, environmental DNA (eDNA), and ecological restoration. His experience spans research, monitoring, and habitat restoration throughout the western United States. He brings a strong scientific foundation to projects involving streams, wetlands, and sensitive aquatic species.

Before joining RES, Dylan worked with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, state wildlife agencies, and research institutions on projects ranging from floodplain restoration and endangered fish recovery to watershed-scale ecological monitoring. His work has included habitat assessments, fish passage evaluations, aquatic species surveys, and long-term monitoring programs designed to improve ecosystem health and resilience.

Dylan earned a master’s degree in Natural Resources with a focus on fisheries from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. His graduate research examined the use of environmental DNA to better understand hydrologic influences on species detection and fish disease dynamics within the Klamath River system. Through this work, he developed expertise in advanced statistical modeling, genetics laboratory techniques, and ecological data analysis.

Dylan combines field ecology with emerging technologies to better understand species distributions and ecosystem function. He is particularly interested in using eDNA and other innovative monitoring tools to support conservation and restoration efforts. His work reflects a commitment to science-based decision-making that helps protect biodiversity while improving the management of aquatic resources.