Clifton Ruehl

Dr. Clifton Ruehl is a Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Biology at Columbus State University. His research focuses on population, community, and evolutionary ecology with an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems. He investigates predator effects on prey populations and ecosystem processes, using experimental and observational approaches. His teaching philosophy centers on student-centered learning through experiential activities like hypothesis-driven labs and fieldwork.

Ruehl's lab studies how predation influences population dynamics and community structure along environmental gradients. Current projects include Haley Lane's research on freshwater mussels in coastal streams and Jimmy Williams' work on predator-prey interactions in pond ecosystems. The Biology Department is launching a master's program, with teaching assistantships available for interested students.

His research methodologies include structural equation modeling, reciprocal transplants, and field experiments. Key areas of interest span phenotypic plasticity, food web dynamics, and the ecological consequences of human-altered habitats. Over 15 years, his work has explored topics from green frog tadpole temperature effects to invasive plant impacts on amphibians.

Ruehl is committed to advancing ecological understanding through collaborative experiments and mentoring future scientists. His lab emphasizes hands-on training for undergraduates through senior research projects, combining field data collection with analytical rigor.