David Unger

Dr. David Unger is an Associate Professor of Biology at Maryville College's Division of Natural Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Kentucky, he focuses on carnivore ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation biology.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization, using exams with short answer and essay questions to assess comprehension. He integrates fieldwork and undergraduate research into courses like Bio222: Ecology and Evolution and Bio311: Natural History of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Research highlights include black bear recolonization studies in Kentucky, wolf home site selection in Wisconsin, and American marten ecology in Michigan. Current projects involve GIS lab development and plans for River Otter and Southern Flying Squirrel studies near campus.