Kevin Aviles Rodriguez

Kevin Aviles Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor at Johnson & Wales University (Providence campus) since 2023. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary impacts of urbanization and human activity on amphibians and reptiles, particularly in Puerto Rico. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Biology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and an M.S. in Biological and Environmental Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Aviles Rodriguez integrates local ecosystems into his teaching, emphasizing hands-on research. His work includes conservation genetics of the Puerto Rican freshwater turtle and studies on Anolis lizards' responses to hurricanes and urbanization. He actively mentors students in field ecology and population genetics.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Environmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston
  • M.S., Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Rhode Island
• Awards:
  • NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021–2023)
• Teaching:
  • Courses: General Biology, Introduction to Life Science, Evolution
  • Encourages undergraduate research in amphibians, reptiles, and population genetics
• Research Themes:
  • Urban adaptation in lizards
  • Hurricane impacts on species morphology and behavior
  • Invasive species effects on native biodiversity

His NSF-funded research highlights the intersection of conservation genetics and urban ecology, with a focus on Puerto Rican ecosystems. Collaborations with students yield peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.