Al Savitzky

Al Savitzky is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Utah State University's College of Science. He holds a PhD (1979) and MA (1974) in Herpetology from the University of Kansas and a BA in Biology from the University of Colorado (1972). His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Herpetology (BIOL 5570), Topics in Biology (BIOL 6750), and Teaching Internship (BIOL 4710) since 2008.

• Education: PhD & MA in Herpetology (University of Kansas), BA in Biology (University of Colorado)

Research Interests: Focused on the evolution, morphology, development, chemical ecology, and conservation of snakes, with emphasis on toxin sequestration mechanisms, nuchal gland function, and ecological adaptations in natricine snakes and toads.

Publication Trends: His peer-reviewed work spans comparative physiology of toxin-resistant enzymes, dietary shifts in chemically defended snakes, bufadienolide composition analysis, and snake-parotoid gland studies. Key journals include Ecology and Evolution, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, PNAS, and Chemoecology.

• Scientific Awards: US Diversity Award (2016), Utah State University University Professor (2008), Old Dominion University Robert K. Johnson Award (2007), Gene W. Hirschfeld Faculty Excellence Award (2002), Most Inspiring Faculty Member (2000), Best Research Presentation (1998).

Mentorship: Advised graduate students including Helen Plylar (2018), Megen Kepas (2018), and Shabnam Mohammadi (2017), with extensive graduate advisement through BIOL 6990/7990 courses.