Craig S. Hood

Craig S. Hood is the E. Letitia Beard Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Environment Program at Loyola University New Orleans. He joined the Department of Biological Sciences in 1986 and played a foundational role in establishing the Environmental Studies Minor Program in 1989.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Texas Tech University (1986)
  • M.A., California State University, Fullerton (1981)
  • B.A., California State University, Fullerton (1977)

His research expertise spans ecology, evolution, functional morphology, and multivariate statistics, with a focus on ecological and evolutionary patterns in mammals, wetland plants, and vertebrates. Recent and ongoing studies include conservation biology of bats, spatial ecology of wetland flora, and morphometric analysis using video-based imaging and statistical tools.

Dr. Hood’s educational philosophy emphasizes mastering fundamental knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics while leveraging modern information technologies for research. He teaches courses in Investigating Nature, Biology of Organisms, Evolution, and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.

• Scientific Awards:
  • E. Letitia Beard Distinguished Professorship

He contributes to interdisciplinary environmental initiatives and advocates for people-centered learning in the Information Age.