Mark Peaden

Dr. Mark Peaden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Rogers State University (RSU), Claremore, OK. He holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of California, Davis, and a BS in Biology (Wildlife Conservation specialization) from RSU. His research focuses on applied conservation of desert tortoises and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations.

Key research areas include desert tortoise habitat use, road ecology, head-starting programs, and conservation genetics. He has led projects at Mojave National Preserve, Ivanpah Desert Tortoise Research Facility, and collaborated with agencies like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His work bridges academic research with practical conservation strategies, emphasizing population viability and mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.

Teaching includes courses in Biological Statistics, Herpetology, and Field Techniques at RSU, alongside mentoring undergraduate capstone projects. He also served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UC Davis and holds roles in the Desert Tortoise Council and Oklahoma Academy of Science.

• Grants: Over $700K secured for desert tortoise studies, including solar energy impact mitigation and head-starting protocols
• Labs/Teams: Active in Mojave National Preserve research and Ivanpah facility operations
• Future Work: Expanding studies on thermal ecology and refining conservation tools for threatened reptiles