Lance R. Williams

Lance R. Williams is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at Tyler, and a founding member of the Center for Environment, Biodiversity, and Conservation. His expertise lies in aquatic ecology, focusing on stream organisms, land-use impacts, and conservation of rare species. He has supervised over 30 graduate students and secured over $10 million in grants as PI/co-PI, addressing ecosystem management and endangered species preservation.

Education:

• Ph.D. 2000, Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University
• M.S. 1997, Zoology, Oklahoma State University
• B.S. 1994, Zoology, University of Oklahoma

Research Interests:
Dr. Williams investigates the functional ecology of streams, conservation of macroinvertebrates, fishes, mussels, and crayfish, and invasive species like the Australian redclaw crayfish. His lab explores wetland ecology, comparing natural vs. constructed wetlands, and assesses land-use effects on eastern U.S. waterways.

Grants & Advising:
He has led major grants for applied stream management and endangered species projects. Current research includes rare mayfly distribution, wetland function analysis, and redclaw crayfish impacts. His lab is equipped for landscape and aquatic ecology research.

Labs/Teams:
Hosts a dedicated research laboratory at UT Tyler, supporting field and lab studies in aquatic and conservation ecology.