Bruce Wiggins

Bruce Wiggins is a Professor in the Department of Biology at James Madison University since 1987. His research focuses on stream ecology, particularly the effects of agricultural streambank restoration practices on benthic macroinvertebrate communities using GIS technology to assess landscape influences on water quality. He holds a PhD in Environmental Microbiology from Cornell University (1987), an MS in Microbial Ecology (1986), and a BS in Microbiology from Pennsylvania State University (1978).

His research investigates land use impacts on aquatic ecosystems through interdisciplinary approaches combining field sampling, organism identification, and geospatial analysis. Recent work includes case studies on green sea turtle climate vulnerability and mercury pollution mitigation strategies in Virginia rivers. He teaches courses in GIS applications, ecology, and scientific perspectives.

Advising focuses on student co-authors in environmental case study development and ecological field research. Active in undergraduate and graduate research mentorship, he collaborates with institutions like the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science.

Labs/Teams: Stream restoration ecology laboratory conducting field-based research in watershed management and aquatic biodiversity assessment.