Chadwick Rittenhouse

Dr. Chadwick Rittenhouse is an Associate Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut, serving as Associate Department Head in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment. He also directs the Master of Energy and Environmental Management program and coordinates the Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management initiative.

• PhD (2008), Wildlife Science, University of Missouri
• MS (2003), Wildlife Science, University of Missouri
• BS (2000), Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

His research focuses on the intersection of science and environmental management, with emphasis on conservation planning and landscape ecology. Key areas include:

• Remote sensing and GIS applications in forest disturbance analysis
• Wildlife resource selection, movement patterns, and population dynamics (elk, mule deer, box turtles, birds)
• Environmental planning for habitat protection and restoration
• Climate change impacts on forest ecosystems
• Decision support systems for conservation stakeholders

Recent publications highlight trends in invasive species management, geospatial conservation tools, and adaptive forest management. His work spans ecosystem restoration in South Africa, bat habitat responses to silviculture, and private land stewardship challenges in the Northeast US.

Scientific awards include:

• Leadership Institute Fellow, The Wildlife Society (2011)

Dr. Rittenhouse teaches advanced courses in natural resources management, decision methods, environmental communications, and conservation planning. He has active collaborations in forest ecosystem vulnerability assessments and habitat suitability modeling.