Matt Estep

Matt Estep serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University and directs the Biology Honors Program. His research is centered in the Amphibolite Mountains of northwestern North Carolina (Watauga and Ashe Counties), an unglaciated refugia region harboring rare plant species vulnerable to climate change, land development, and recreational pressures.

Dr. Estep's primary research focuses on evolutionary genetics and conservation genomics of endangered Southern Appalachian flora. His lab employs microsatellite markers and demographic analyses to document biodiversity and generate actionable data for land managers. Key interests include population structure assessment, genetic diversity preservation, and developing management strategies for federally listed species like Geum geniculatum and Hexastylis naniflora.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent emphasis on developing species-specific genetic tools for threatened plants. His work bridges molecular ecology and practical conservation, frequently examining how historical augmentation efforts impact current genetic health. The research targets conservation interventions for hexaploid endemics and limestone specialists facing habitat fragmentation.

As Director of the Biology Honors Program, Dr. Estep mentors undergraduate researchers through the Estep Lab. His team conducts fieldwork in high-elevation ecosystems to collect demographic and genetic datasets critical for preservation planning. The lab maintains active collaborations with regional land management agencies to implement science-based conservation strategies.