Dr. Rob Van Kirk

Rob first fished the Henry’s Fork in 1977, worked for Henry’s Fork Anglers from 1981-1987, and was HFF’s first research director, from 1994-1998. After 14 years as a mathematics and statistics professor, he returned to HFF in 2013. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters covering topics ranging from theoretical population biology to groundwater-surface water interactions. Rob is known for his expertise in the latter subject among hydrologists and water managers in the Intermountain West. Although he lives and breathes hydrology 24/7, he finds time to catch wild trout in the waters near his home in Ashton every month of the year and compete in bicycle road races. He and his wife Sheryl also enjoy gardening, canning, and backyard bird-watching.

“Aside from our direct mission of conserving a unique and world-class fishery, HFF provides a model for the role of non-governmental organizations in conservation and develops science-based solutions that are broadly applicable to water-resource problems around the West. By far, what I enjoy most about working at HFF is the people I work with, and especially the young professionals (well, I guess they are all young to me at this point) who bring fresh, new, and great ideas to the organization. I learn a lot more from them than they learn from me, and that keeps me engaged and energetic.”