Prior to returning to academia, Daren worked as a research coordinator and conservation planner for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Daren has worked throughout the south-central and southwestern United States, as well as northern Mexico, and South Africa. Daren has been heavily involved in recovery planning for Sonoyta mud turtle, Sonoran desert tortoise, and alligator snapping turtle. He is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Species Survival Commission – Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group His current research focuses on community ecology in riverine environments, and conservation of river turtles.