Brittany Chesser: Science with a heart for Texas ponds

As Texas’ go-to expert for aquatic vegetation and pond health, Brittany Chesser does more than translate scientific data — she empowers landowners to care for their ponds with confidence and clarity.

Since joining Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in 2019, Chesser has brought scientific expertise and personal passion to a role serving more than 1.3 million privately owned ponds across the state. As the aquatic vegetation management specialist and lead diagnostic scientist within the agency’s Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory, she’s become a trusted guide for Texans navigating the challenges of pond ownership.

“My passion lies in translating complex ecological concepts into actionable strategies for landowners,” said Chesser, housed within the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. “I want people to feel equipped, not overwhelmed.”

In fact, Chesser is one of only a handful of extension specialists in the U.S. working exclusively on aquatic vegetation management in private waters. And when she was hired, the role did not even exist.

“When I interviewed for my position, I was told that the agency had never had a dedicated aquatic vegetation program specialist, and there was a real need for this specialized study and expertise,” Chesser said. “That really made me want the job — I saw a chance to build something meaningful and grow the program to better meet the needs of Texans.”

Grounded in science, focused on people

Chesser brings far more than technical know-how to the lab, said Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, director of the Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory and associate professor in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

“Brittany is the people person of the Aquatic Diagnostics Lab,” Sink said. “She has this unique ability to synthesize complex water quality data into detailed yet understandable information and recommendations that people can actually use.”

Her work spans aquaculture production, vegetation management and water chemistry — but at the core is a desire to connect with landowners of all kinds.

Although the Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory had well-established relationships with aquaculture producers before Chesser joined the team, she has helped expand the lab’s reach even further, making diagnostic resources accessible to any pond owner, whether they manage for fish, livestock, recreation or simply aesthetics.

Last year, Chesser completed 182 separate diagnostic analyses, impacting more than 19,000 acre-feet of private waters.

But it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about what landowners do with the information.

With each test, Chesser develops custom, comprehensive reports explaining the findings and outlining recommendations to improve water quality and meet the pond owner’s goals.

Creating tools and providing solutions

Beyond one-on-one diagnostic consultations, Chesser has also made outstanding strides in building tools that serve an expanding audience through the AquaPlant website. She manages and has greatly expanded the program’s AquaExtension online educational offerings, which have quickly turned into go-to resources for ponds and stock tanks. 

“With more than 600 species of aquatic and wetland vegetation species in Texas, management issues for private landowners are varied and abundant,” Chesser said.

On average, Chesser delivers 50 outreach programs a year, reaching more than 3,000 people. This is in addition to the development of self-paced online courses, popular press articles, social media initiatives, factsheets, monthly newsletters, trainings and more.

Chesser has even adapted her online courses to deliver training as part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice O.B. Ellis Unit’s vocational and rehabilitation program.

“It’s gratifying to know that the knowledge and materials I provide through this program have the potential to expand the opportunities of inmates upon release,” she said.

Resources tailored for Texas but applicable nationwide

While the program’s resources and educational efforts are tailored for Texas pond owners, its impact extends far beyond the Lone Star State.

Chesser and Sink also launched a monthly aquatic webinar series, allowing participants to delve further into specific pond management topics ranging from myths to nutrients. 

“The greatest thing I can say about her programs is that wherever we go, she has a core following from the general public as well as professional and state agencies who travel to hear her speak,” Sink said. “She even has a few people who don’t actually own ponds but repeatedly attend her programs because she makes the science approachable and interesting.”

Chesser’s AgriLife Extension efforts have even been published in international journals as models for aquatic extension and education efforts in countries less familiar with the national extension program.

“Brittany has taken the modest foundations of the aquatic vegetation management program laid down by myself and others before me and built it into one of the top programs in the U.S.,” Sink said.

From pondside to classroom

In addition to her role with AgriLife Extension, Chesser is pursuing a doctoral degree in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

True to her desire to connect the public with science-based resources and answers, her research is grounded in practical impact for landowners, evaluating and analyzing novel or commercially available pond management practices.

“My research is honestly inspired by many conversations I have had with landowners regarding practices or products that need further analysis to ensure they are truly effective,” she said. “I’m not just conducting this research to publish for the academic community — I want to make sure landowners have access to these findings in a format that is understandable and applicable for their pond management goals.” 

Recognized for service, driven by connection

Chesser’s outstanding contributions to AgriLife Extension and efforts to improve the lives of Texans have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received the Superior Service Award from AgriLife Extension — the agency’s highest honor.

“What I love most about working for AgriLife Extension is that every day is different, and I can help provide real-world solutions to landowners,” Chesser said.

Moving forward, Chesser said she will continue looking for ways to better reach and serve the people of Texas and beyond.

“We are always looking for new tests, new resources, new programs and other ways we can benefit landowners,” she said. “For every one person who has a problem or question, there are likely hundreds more who are having the same issue. My mission is to reach them — with science-backed solutions that make a difference.”