About Us
Key Staff
Will Samuel
Principal
Will Samuel is the Principal, Lead Scientist, and Lead Instructor at Tributary Research Consulting. Read more about his background here.
Qualifications:
Master of Science in Fisheries – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Certified Fisheries Professional – American Fisheries Society
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
NASAR SAR Tech II, certified Incident Commander, and prior Training Chief at Interior Alaska Wilderness Search and Rescue
Wilderness First Responder (NASAR) and Emergency Trauma Technician (SOA)
Alaska DNR Boater Safety Instructor
Aidan Hunter
Senior Wildlife Biologist
Aidan was born and raised in Alaska and has close to a decade of experience as a wildlife biologist in Alaska. His background includes research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a career at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, where his work has involved monitoring and managing wildlife populations. His key skill sets include aerial surveys of wildlife populations, capture and sedation of big game, and a wide variety of technical research to support big game management across the Interior.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Cutter grew up in Alaska and Russia and has abundant experience in remote wilderness scenarios. Along with numerous personal and professional ventures, he spent 16+ years leading and participating in the Alaska Wilderness Search and Rescue Team, providing professional volunteer search and rescue services in Interior and Northern Alaska. He has over 10 years of firearms instruction and training experience, including youth programs and bear safety. His background as a professional civil engineer (P.E.) provides a valuable perspective on all aspects of TRC’s operations
Cutter Degerlund
Instructor — Bear Guard
Qualifications:
NRA certified Rifle and Pistol instructor, Range Safety Officer
Medical training: EMT, ETT, WFR, WFA
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering — University of Alaska Fairbanks
Professional Engineer (P.E.)
Jonah began his research career in Wisconsin before moving North, where he has built extensive experience working throughout remote Alaska. He has led long-term fish community monitoring efforts in Prudhoe Bay, including completing his Master’s research on Beaufort Sea whitefish diets, using stable isotopes extracted from eye lenses to reconstruct lifetime feeding histories. Additionally, Jonah has contributed to marine and freshwater research and management of commercial fisheries in Homer, Alaska. This work included a wide variety of environmental sampling, including installing and monitoring weirs, backpack electrofishing, otolith port sampling, and creating a specialized R-shiny app to integrate live in-season data into a manager dashboard to assist with real-time management decisions.
Alongside his scientific background, Jonah brings substantial expertise in remote logistics. He has planned and executed field operations for projects statewide—transporting critical gear, establishing and managing remote camps, and working directly with clients to support mineral exploration and scientific research in remote environments.
In his free time, Jonah is an avid dog musher who offers scenic tours and competes in long-distance races across Alaska.
Jonah Bacon
Fish Biologist — Bear Guard
Qualifications:
Master of Science in Fisheries – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior – University of Minnesota
Evan Brashear
Environmental Technician
Evan was born and raised in Alaska and has a variety of experiences supporting fisheries research and monitoring in remote Alaska. His background includes a wide variety of fish and wildlife research, such as gillnetting for test fisheries, ASL data collection, fish husbandry, hatchery maintenance, sample processing, and small boat operation.
In his free time, Evan is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
