Dale Stevens

Dale Stevens serves as Assistant Professor of Biology within the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences at West Texas A&M University's Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, joining the faculty in fall 2024.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Clark University (2022)
• Post-doctoral researcher at Michigan State University (2022-2024)
• Visiting Assistant Professor at Bucknell University (2022-2024)

Research Focus: Dr. Stevens investigates evolutionary adaptations to anthropogenic disturbances through rigorous field and laboratory studies. His work integrates Urban Ecology examining thermal adaptations in western black widow spiders (Latrodectus hesperus) within urban heat islands, and Behavioral Plasticity research on threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) responses to invasive northern pike (Esox lucius). Current projects analyze Texas black widow evolution in urbanized landscapes and competitive dynamics with invasive brown widows (Latrodectus geometricus).

Professional Engagement: Active member of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) and Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB), with planned involvement in the American Arachnological Society (AAS). Presents research annually at national conferences.

Mentorship Approach: Dedicated to undergraduate research collaboration, having co-authored 10 peer-reviewed publications prior to joining WTAMU. Teaches Ecology with planned courses in Animal Behavior, Urban Ecology, Biometry, and Evolution.