Dr. Ann St. Amand B.S. ABC, NLP -- Click for CV
President / Owner, Primary Taxonomist
Ann earned her B.S. in Ecology and Population Biology from Purdue University and her Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in Aquatic Ecology. She is PhycoTech’s founder and head of research with over 33 years of experience. Ann processes all algal and zooplankton samples at PhycoTech. In her spare time, she enjoys native gardening, reading, singing in a praise group, hiking, hunting for algae (and a billion other cool things, yes, a bit ADD) as well as hanging out with her awesome husband and kids, and 2-year-old Harry, who is the best grandkid on the planet.
Ann spends her volunteer time working with the local 6th grade program Upstream (which she created, and works with Teachers to implement), Science Olympiad Program Advisor, Mentor for Middle School and High School teams, working with the local Boys and Girls Club – introducing STEM programs and creating and cultivating Native Gardens with Club members. Working with a local Garden Club to design and plant a native garden in our Downtown area, implementing native gardens at a local middle school, the lead advisor for Salmon in the Classroom at St. Joe Public schools and assisting with Eau Claire Public Schools program. She also works with local municipalities for environmental causes, obtaining grants and educational outreach.
Kam Truhn
Lab Manager
Coming soon.
Denise Clark
Technology Development, IT Manager
Denise has a B.S. Degree in Computer Science and years of experience in supporting computer system. She joined PhycoTech in 2000. Denise provides support to the team in a variety of ways including keeping computers updated and virus free, ensuring data is appropriately backed up and systems are running smoothly, and leading the Imaging FlowCytobot project.
Denise also spends her volunteer time working as a Science Olympiad Mentor with the Middle School team, elementary School First Lego League and Boy Scouts.
Kelsey Wright
Lab Technician
Kelsey received her M.S. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame in 2016 after completing a B.S. in Biology at Grand Valley State University. Kelsey is a Southwest Michigan native who has always loved the outdoors. Her passion for environmental conservation continued through college, as she spent six summers studying the impacts of climate change on arctic ecosystems. Kelsey began working at PhycoTech in November, 2017. Her duties include sample processing and assisting with IFCB calibration and programming needs. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys gardening, playing and watching sports, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Kelsey’s volunteer activities include coaching Watervliet High School Science Olympiad and working with PhycoTech on its various educational outreach programs.
Sarah Johnson
Office Manager
Sarah is new to Phycotech, joining in early January 2018. She handles day to day needs including billing, emails, product processing and shipping, cooler return, listens to Kam say ”that’s a Jane Job”, and other office tasks as needed. She is also the Social Media coordinator and web site editor. She has a very active daughter who is graduating in 2018. Her Hobbies include being a personal taxi and cheerleader for orchestra, soccer, skiing, and other teen activities as required. She is also a hobby photographer and enjoys spending time capturing scenery around Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Sarah volunteers with a National Non-profit soccer league for the last 10+ years, and with the PhycoTech education and outreach programs.