Kirstin Underwood

Fisheries Biologist

Growing up in Downeast Maine on a family farm surrounded by vegetables, Kirstin knew from an early age that she wanted to work outdoors. And so, she pursued a degree in biology, initially with a focus on forest ecology. Her first post-college job led her to Northern California, where an encounter with a veteran trail worker steered her toward an AmeriCorps position focused on salmon population monitoring. Despite initially knowing little about fish or riverine habitats, Kirstin quickly developed a passion for watershed ecology, and her early career saw her moving between the rivers of California and the marshes of Maine.

Following a stint in Tanzania as a Peace Corps environmental volunteer, Kirstin joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biologist, where she focused on improving road-stream crossings and enhancing salmon habitat in Maine. This role marked her first significant foray into habitat restoration and sparked her interest in restoration design. Her journey continued as she transitioned into a nonprofit project manager role, where she crossed paths with Inter-Fluve.

In 2024, Kirstin joined Inter-Fluve part-time and has plugged into various projects, including some she previously worked on as a client. She values the creativity and interdisciplinary approach that defines our work, and is currently working towards a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Outside of work, Kirstin can be found partaking in outdoor activities (especially hiking, biking and trail running), and crafting her own line of soap inspired by Maine’s diadromous fish.