James Whitney

Dr. James Whitney is an Associate Professor of Biology at Pittsburg State University, specializing in stream fish ecology, climate change impacts, and invasive species biology. He teaches courses in environmental biology, ecology, ichthyology, and fisheries management.

Research Interests: His work focuses on conserving aquatic organisms in the context of global change, with fieldwork spanning desert southwest and Midwestern tallgrass prairie streams. Current projects examine pollution remediation, wildfire effects, and climate change adaptation in freshwater ecosystems.

Scientific Awards:

• Excellence in Research Award (2025, Pittsburg State University College of Arts and Sciences).

Grants: Recently secured $10,000 from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (2024) and $119,192 from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (2024-2026) for fish population surveys and conservation research.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with Kansas State University's Dr. Keith Gido and advises students in field biology, ecology, and organismic biology, preparing them for careers in environmental agencies and graduate studies.