Amanda Sparkman

Amanda Sparkman is a Professor of Biology at Westmont College, specializing in life-history evolution, comparative physiology, and urban ecology. She co-advises the Environmental Studies minor and teaches courses in ecology, evolution, herpetology, and bioethics. Her research focuses on reptiles and birds in California, particularly the impacts of urbanization and island dwarfism on species adaptation.

Education: B.A. in English and Biology from Westmont College (2003), Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University (2009), followed by postdoctoral research at Trent University studying red wolf social behavior. She rejoined Westmont in 2012.

Research Interests:

• Ecology and evolution of snakes/lizards
• Urbanization effects on wildlife
• Island dwarfism mechanisms
• Physiological responses to environmental change

Lab Work: The Sparkman Lab investigates how physiology, behavior, and life history interact to enable species survival in changing environments. They emphasize field research on reptiles and birds across California, combining ecological observation with molecular techniques.

Teaching: Leads Westmont's introductory environmental studies course and advanced courses in ecology, evolution, and bioethics. Integrates fieldwork and ethical considerations into her teaching.