May 2025
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STOUT
Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award Winner
Winner of a competitive university-wide research award for the academic year 2024-2025.
"Assessing the Impacts of Beavers on Biodiversity and Water Quality in Class II Trout Streams in Northwest Wisconsin"
February 2024
WISCONSIN WETLAND SCIENCE CONFERENCE
Outstanding Student Presentation
Awarded by Wisconsin Wetlands Association for an oral presentation given at the 2025 annual conference.
April 2024
COMMUNITY SHARES OF WISCONSIN
Backyard Hero
Nominated by Wisconsin Wetlands Association staff:
"Cortney Dean is a volunteer for Wisconsin Wetlands Association, where she completed an analysis of floodplain restoration policies from other states to help inform Wisconsin Wetlands Association’s own floodplain restoration policy. Cortney’s skills, motivation, and expertise have helped Wisconsin Wetlands Association advance floodplain restoration in our state. Thank you, Cortney!Wisconsin Wetlands Association is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education, and advocacy.The Backyard Hero Awards are sponsored by 105.5 Triple M, Isthmus, and Budget Signs."
2023
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STOUT
Recipient of UW Stout's Research Grant
Recipient of competitive university-wide grant funding for the calendar year of 2023.
Funds were utilized to complete water quality testing as a part of our preliminary research.
Education
2021 - 2025
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STOUT
Master's Degree
Menomonie, WI
Thesis-track graduate program in Conservation Biology.
Research Thesis:
Assessing the Impacts of Beavers on Biodiversity and Water Quality in Class II Trout Streams in Northwest Wisconsin
(for more information see Projects page)
3.975 GPA
Stout Graduate Researcher of the Year (2025)
Stout Research Grant Recipient (2023)
Graduate Assistantship (2023-2025)
2003-2004
MAYO COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Certificate
Professional Certificate program in Cytology
3.8 GPA
CyTech Student Award 2004
Rochester, MN
1997-2001
BELOIT COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science
Beloit, WI
Ecology, Evolution and Behavioral Biology
3.2 GPA
Departmental Honors
Dean's List
Academic All-Conference
Sanger Research Fellow at Medical College of Wisconsin (2000)
Professional Skills
Statistics, R Studio, Excel, Infographics, Canva
Research, Data Analysis, Technical and Scientific Writing
Bioacoustic monitoring and analysis
GPS Data Collection and GIS Map Creation
Water Quality Sampling and Testing
Beaver Biology and Behavior
Policy and Procedure Writing
Wetland and Floodplain Restoration and Policy Analysis
Wetland and Riparian Ecosystems
Formal and Informal Educational Presentations
Electrofishing and Aquatic Data Collection
Educational and training program development
Study Design, Field Work Logistics, Data Collection
Landowner relations