By Whitney Baxter
When the weather warms up this spring and migrating waterfowl return, Jayden Jech will be busy traversing the state monitoring how they are using wetlands constructed on the edges of farm fields.
Jech, a graduate student in wildlife ecology, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award. Each year, the award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences working on an innovative scientific, technological or business idea related to a grand challenge in agriculture.
The grand challenge Jech is investigating is how wetlands help water, wildlife and farmers. Specifically, his study is looking at whether and to what extent constructed wetlands on privately owned land in Iowa benefit birds, specifically waterfowl and Trumpeter swans. He will consider reasons why waterfowl are selecting constructed wetlands, then compare findings with other types of wetlands. His findings will be used to make recommendations for future constructed wetland areas that can maximize benefits for water quality and wildlife.
“I’m looking forward to making connections with Iowa landowners and tackling the challenges associated with providing beneficial spaces for Iowa’s waterfowl,” Jech said. “This award will be important in supporting my research by providing opportunities to expand public engagement and education components focused on sharing findings with the scientific community and farmers.”
Funding provided through the Thamodaran award will be used to purchase equipment to monitor the various birds living and interacting in the wetlands. The funds also will be used for Jech to attend a conference in Alberta, Canada, where he plans to share the results of his research.
Jech earned his undergraduate degree in biology and environmental studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, then spent a few years working professionally in the environmental field. He was attracted to Iowa State’s wildlife ecology graduate program because of the constructed wetlands project’s objectives, and he loves the sense of community on campus.
“Jayden is a creative, bright and hard-working student. I can't wait to see what he learns by visiting dozens of wetlands on dozens of Iowa farms,” said Adam Janke, associate professor of natural resource ecology and management and wildlife extension specialist. “His research will help us understand ways to help water, wildlife and farmers all at the same time. It's the sort of win-win-win solutions we're always eager to study in our research. I'm excited to see what his project teaches us."
The Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award is made possible by the generosity of Dhamu Thamodaran (’83 PhD economics) and his wife, Kanchana Thamodaran.