Hayden Hays Society for Freshwater Science 2026 Annual Meeting

Hayden Hays

B.S. in Biological Sciences - Colorado State University (2016) M.S. in Biological Sciences - Sam Houston State University (2019) Ph.D. in Aquatic Ecology - Texas Tech University (2025) Hayden has conducted a wide array of aquatic research ranging from crayfish mating systems, assessing the range and habitat preferences for a rare, data deficient crayfish (Faxonius maletae), the dispersal of aquatic macroinvertebrates between ephemeral habitats, and metacommunity ecology of aquatic insects in pond mesocosms. His research interests include functional and metacommunity ecology, and how to apply principles from these fields to the study of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Currently, Hayden's lab is investigating freshwater communities and surveying wildlife taxa in/around Byrds Mill Spring, the largest spring ecosystem in Oklahoma. Aside from research, Hayden is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at East Central University. Hayden teaches a variety of introductory and upper-level courses spanning general biology, ecology, wildlife management, and aquatic biology. When not working, Hayden enjoys spending time outdoors through camping, hiking, and kayaking, and spending time with his wonderful dog, Ryder.