2026 UDR Rendezvous Presenter Bios

Dr. Bernd Blossey

Cornell University professor and director of the Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants Program, Dr. Blossey has more than three decades of experience studying invasive species, biological control, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration. His research has addressed major invasive plants including Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, water chestnut, and Phragmites.

Brent Gotsch

Technical Advisor for Reservoir Releases with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), Brent has a background in reservoir operations, watershed management, and flood mitigation. Brent brings valuable experience working on water resource issues throughout the region.

Michael Buthe

Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP) Work Group

Steve Hurst

Chief of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Fisheries, Steve brings more than 30 years of experience in fisheries and natural resource management. Throughout his DEC career, he has worked in field research, fish hatcheries, fisheries biology, strategic planning, and program leadership. Today, he leads New York State’s freshwater fisheries program, helping guide science-based management and conservation of fisheries resources across the state.

Amber Grey

District Technician with the Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District

John Thompson

John brings approximately 25 years of experience working with scientists and land stewards throughout southeastern New York to advance science-based ecological management. As Director of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), he works with partners to prioritize invasive species management strategies, coordinate regional initiatives, and lead training and outreach focused on invasive species identification, monitoring, management, and prevention.

Miranda Kearney

Assistant professor for the biology Department at SUNY Oneonta