Find Academic Supervisors

Anna Pidgeon is Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research addresses habitat requirements of vertebrate species, particularly birds, within human-modified landscapes. Pidgeon investigates conservation challenges through habitat suitability modeling, landscape connectivity analysis, and remote sensing applications. Research integrates field surveys with satellite-derived metrics like Dynamic Habitat Indices to predict biodiversity patterns across scales. Current studies examine how climate change and land-use alter habitat resilience, with projects spanning Wisconsin forests, Patagonian ecosystems, and tropical regions. Methodological innovations include texture analysis of satellite imagery to quantify habitat heterogeneity. Educational background includes PhD in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Madison (2000), MS from Central Washington University (1995), and BS degrees from University of Minnesota in Life Science Education (1989) and Wildlife Management (1983).

• Wildlife Habitat Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Avian Community Dynamics
• +2 more

Noa Pinter-Wollman is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, within the College of Life Sciences . Her work integrates field experiments, laboratory assays, computational modeling, and social network analysis to understand how individual variation among animals translates into emergent collective behavior, and how these dynamics intersect with conservation challenges. Research Focus: Mechanisms underlying collective decision-making in social insects (especially Argentine ants and harvester ants) Social network structure and its ecological consequences in endangered griffon vultures Interface between spatial ecology and social behavior, including impacts on disease transmission and conservation management Biomimetic insights from social animals to inform resilient human-designed systems Across 2023–2025, her team has produced a steady stream of high-impact articles that collectively advance four thematic pillars: (1) microbiome–behavior feedbacks in ants, (2) conservation technology for scavengers, (3) network-analytic methods for disentangling spatial versus social drivers of interaction, and (4) cooperative strategies that underlie invasion success in ants. The work is notable for integrating high-resolution tracking technologies with rigorous statistical modeling. Funding & Collaborations: Current NSF awards include the collaborative grant “ The causes and consequences of Higher Order Interactions (HOI) ” and prior support for “ Uncovering how links between social and spatial interactions affect ecological processes .” These grants foster interdisciplinary partnerships spanning ecology, computer science, and conservation practice. Laboratory & Team: The Pinter-Wollman Lab at UCLA houses graduate researchers, post-docs, and undergraduates who conduct integrative studies on ants, paper wasps, spiders, and vultures. The lab website ( https://pinter-wollmanlab.weebly.com ) provides protocols, data resources, and outreach materials that translate basic findings into actionable conservation guidance for wildlife managers.

• Collective animal behavior
• Social network analysis
• Behavioral ecology
• +3 more

Karen Abbott is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University, specializing in theoretical population and community ecology. Her research employs mathematical modeling to investigate species distributions, abundance fluctuations, and ecological pattern formation. Her primary research interests include: Theoretical Population and Community Ecology Spatial Synchrony in Forest Insect Outbreaks Plant-Herbivore Dynamics and Inducible Defenses Evolutionary Responses to Climate Change Invasive Species Spread Mechanisms Ecological Time Series Analysis Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong emphasis on spatial ecology, transient dynamics, and network theory applications. Key trends involve modeling synchrony in ecological oscillators, life history effects on consumer-resource systems, and environmental stochasticity impacts on population cycles. Her work frequently addresses how new biologically-motivated models improve understanding of unexplained ecological phenomena. Scientific awards: None mentioned in provided text. Research funding includes the eMB Collaborative Research project (2023) on mathematical approaches for spatial synchrony in ecology. While specific student advisees aren't listed, her faculty role suggests graduate and undergraduate mentoring. Her lab maintains active research in theoretical ecology as evidenced by continuous publication output. She leads the Abbott Lab (https://abbottlab480702554.wordpress.com/), which focuses on mathematical modeling of ecological systems, investigating spatial synchrony, plant-herbivore interactions, climate change effects, and transient dynamics in population cycles.

• Theoretical Ecology
• Population Ecology
• Community Ecology
• +6 more

Dan Catlin is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), within the College of Natural Resources and Environment. His research focuses on quantitative ecology, particularly the conservation of threatened shorebirds like piping plovers and least terns. He holds a B.A. from Hamilton College (2001), an M.S. from Oregon State University (2004), and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (2009). Research interests include shorebird demography, habitat management impacts on survival, and the effects of climate change, human activity, and natural disasters on species recovery. Current projects involve Missouri River shorebird dynamics, Niobrara River plover habitat, and winter survival factors for piping plovers in Georgia/South Carolina. He collaborates on studies assessing hurricane-induced habitat changes and predator control strategies. Publications span over 20 years, emphasizing shorebird ecology, habitat modeling, and conservation strategies. His work integrates field data with Bayesian networks and spatial analysis tools. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his contributions to endangered species management are notable. Advising and grants: While no students are listed, his projects imply collaborative research teams. The Virginia Tech Shorebird Program is a key platform for his fieldwork and outreach efforts.

• Quantitative Ecology
• Shorebird Conservation
• Endangered Species Management
• +3 more

Dr. Bok Sowell is a Professor in the Department of Animal & Range Sciences at Montana State University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His expertise spans rangeland ecology, wildlife habitat conservation, and livestock nutrition. He holds a Ph.D. in Range Nutrition from New Mexico State University (1989), an M.S. in Mule Deer Nutrition from Texas Tech University (1981), and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from New Mexico State University (1978). Research focuses on sagebrush ecosystems, sage-grouse conservation, grizzly bear behavior, and livestock grazing management. Notable projects include studies on fence modifications for sage-grouse nest survival, stable isotope analysis of army cutworm moths, and dormant season grazing strategies for beef cattle. Teaching includes courses like Natural Resource Conservation and Wildlife-Livestock Nutrition . Over 35 peer-reviewed articles highlight contributions to rangeland ecology and wildlife management. Awards include the 2024 Founder's Day Award for Excellence and recognition for academic advising. Grants include funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for sagebrush landscape management. Professional service includes roles with the Society for Range Management and Ecosphere journal. He leads efforts to restore aspen ecosystems and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

• Rangeland Ecology
• Wildlife Habitat Conservation
• Sagebrush Ecosystems
• +3 more

Jeffrey Doser is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NC State), within the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on ecological modeling, species distribution analysis, spatial statistics, and biodiversity monitoring. He specializes in developing R software tools for ecological data analysis, such as the spAbundance and spOccupancy packages. His work emphasizes improving statistical methods for occupancy models, integrating acoustic and survey data, and addressing environmental challenges like invasive species and climate change impacts on ecosystems. Key research themes include species-environment interactions, spatially varying coefficients in ecological models, and functional reproducibility in scientific coding. His recent studies address topics such as American chestnut restoration, wild bee community dynamics, and early detection of invasive aquatic species. Doser collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving forest inventory, avian soundscapes, and long-term ecological monitoring. His publications (2020–2025) highlight methodological advancements in species distribution modeling, occupancy frameworks for multi-season data, and applications of Bayesian approaches. He advocates for rigorous statistical practices and reproducible research in ecology.

• Ecological Modeling
• Species Distribution Analysis
• Spatial Statistics
• +3 more

David A. Aborn is a Professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC). His primary research focuses on bird migration, urban ecology, and conservation, particularly studying stopover biology, habitat selection in urban environments, and the effects of urbanization on avian populations. He holds a PhD in Biological Science from the University of Southern Mississippi (1996), an MS in Zoology from Clemson University (1989), and a BS in Zoology from Clemson University (1985). His work integrates field studies, telemetry, and citizen science to address ecological questions. Dr. Aborn’s research projects include assessing urban greenspaces as stopover sites for migratory birds, studying overwintering Sandhill Cranes, and investigating the breeding biology of Tree Swallows. He has received grants totaling over $595,000 from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. His publications span 40+ articles in journals such as Nature Ecology and Evolution , Wilson Journal of Ornithology , and Southeastern Naturalist , with a focus on avian behavior, habitat use, and conservation challenges. Key research trends in his articles include urban birdstopover dynamics, stress physiology in migratory species, and invasive species impacts. He serves on committees for UTC’s Environmental Task Force, Reappointment, and Promotion. As a certified Master Bird Bander (USGS), he actively engages in public outreach through roles like Chattanooga Audubon Society board member and frequent guest lectures at local schools and organizations. Dr. Aborn advises the UTC Wildlife Zoology Club and coordinates graduate programs in Environmental Science. His work bridges academic research with applied conservation, emphasizing the role of urban ecosystems in avian survival and biodiversity preservation.

• Bird Migration
• Urban Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Kelli Larson is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), holding dual appointments in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and the School of Sustainability. She is affiliated with multiple research centers, including the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) project, where she serves as Lead Social Scientist. Her research focuses on human-environment interactions, urban sustainability, and the social dimensions of ecological conservation. Dr. Larson earned a Ph.D. in Resource Geography from Oregon State University (2005) and has been at ASU since that time. Her work integrates mixed-methods approaches to study residential landscape management, urban biodiversity, and public perceptions of ecosystem services. She directs the Phoenix Area Social Survey, a key initiative for CAP LTER's long-term data collection. Her research interests include urban ecology, environmental governance, and the social drivers of landscape choices. Notable contributions examine how residents’ attitudes toward wildlife, vegetation, and water governance influence urban sustainability outcomes. She has led NSF-funded projects and published extensively on topics like yard ordinances, biodiversity in urban areas, and climate adaptation. Larson mentors undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs, emphasizing undergraduate research through programs like the Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). She has received awards for mentoring and service, including the Outstanding Service Award (2019) and Distinguished Alumni Award (2018). Her work bridges academia and public engagement, addressing challenges such as urban heat mitigation, green infrastructure planning, and equitable access to urban ecosystems. She serves on editorial boards and professional associations, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

• Human-Environment Interactions
• Urban Ecology and Sustainability
• Environmental Geography and Governance
• +3 more

Dr. Alejandro Banda serves as Clinical Professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, while concurrently holding the position of Executive Director for the MSU Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (MVRDLS). He leads the poultry and mammalian virology laboratories and oversees the vivarium operations, directing critical diagnostic and research functions. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Georgia (2002) D.V.M. from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (1998) M.S. in Veterinary Medicine from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (1996) Dr. Banda's research centers on veterinary virology with specialized expertise in poultry disease diagnostics and wildlife pathogen surveillance . His work bridges laboratory science with field applications, particularly in chronic wasting disease (CWD) ecology and avian influenza epidemiology. He employs advanced genomic techniques like iSeq100 and MinION sequencing for pathogen characterization, focusing on practical solutions for agricultural and wildlife health challenges. His investigations frequently address immunosuppressive diseases in poultry production systems and novel disease transmission pathways in wild species. Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward environmental disease surveillance methodologies, particularly leveraging natural animal behaviors for non-invasive CWD monitoring in deer populations. His work simultaneously addresses critical poultry health issues including neurologic diseases in commercial flocks and parasitic infections in exotic avian species, reflecting dual expertise in domestic animal medicine and wildlife disease ecology. Dr. Banda actively directs laboratory operations at MVRDLS, managing the poultry virology section, mammalian virology laboratory, and vivarium facilities. His leadership integrates diagnostic services with research initiatives focused on emerging pathogens affecting both agricultural and wildlife populations in Mississippi and beyond.

• Diagnostic poultry virology
• Immunosuppressive diseases of poultry
• Veterinary virology
• +3 more

James W. Bartolome is Professor of Rangeland Ecology at UC Berkeley, focusing on Mediterranean-type savanna ecosystems and rangeland conservation. His research examines interactions between woody plants, herbaceous vegetation, and grazing animals across ecological scales. Current projects investigate how environmental factors and management practices influence biomass productivity, vegetation structure, and water quality in grasslands. Research outputs demonstrate novel methodologies for monitoring grassland community responses and highlight how properly managed livestock grazing can enhance native plant recovery without degrading water quality. Comparative studies of Mediterranean ecosystems worldwide provide insights into native species enhancement through modified grazing and burning regimes. Educational contributions include graduate seminars in Range Ecology and Ecosystem Planning.

• Rangeland Ecology
• Savanna Ecosystems
• Grassland Management
• +3 more

Dr. Thomas C Wood is an Associate Professor in the School of Integrative Studies at George Mason University, where he has been since 1996. His roles include directing the Environmental Studies on the Piedmont research station and co-developing the Smithsonian Mason Semester program. He specializes in conservation biology, ecology, and science education reform. Education: PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy (George Mason University, 2006), MS in Animal Science (Louisiana State University, 1988), BS in Animal Science (UC Davis, 1986) Dr. Wood's research focuses on biodiversity monitoring, environmental DNA applications, population dynamics of species like mole salamanders, and the intersection of science with civic engagement. He leads NSF-funded initiatives like SENCER, aiming to improve science education. His recent publications address global environmental challenges, including Amazon deforestation, climate change impacts on tropical forests, and biodiversity conservation strategies. These works often integrate ecological data with policy recommendations. Scientific Awards: George Mason University Excellence in Teaching Award SENCER Senior Leadership Fellow Dr. Wood advises students on projects ranging from conservation biology to education reform and directs Mason's scientific diving program. His career emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and practical applications of ecological research.

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Biodiversity Monitoring
• +4 more

Colden V. Baxter is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University, where he leads the ISU Stream Ecology Center and the Center for Ecological Research and Education (CERE). He directs ISU's graduate biology programs and previously served as president of the Society for Freshwater Science. His work bridges fundamental stream ecology with social dimensions of river management, focusing on ecological linkages between water and land. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from Oregon State University (2002), an M.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana (1997), and a B.A. in Biology and Geology from the University of Oregon (1993), followed by postdoctoral training at Colorado State University and Hokkaido University, Japan. Dr. Baxter's research centers on freshwater ecosystem dynamics, particularly stream-riparian interactions, nutrient cycling (especially nitrogen fixation/denitrification), and rivers as social-ecological systems. He investigates how human activities disrupt ecological linkages and examines bidirectional influences between human behaviors and river ecosystems, with strong emphasis on climate change impacts and conservation applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on spatial heterogeneity in stream processes, food web dynamics in river-floodplain mosaics, and integration of social science into freshwater research. His work spans nutrient cycling, salmonid conservation, floodplain restoration, and extreme event impacts, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to river management challenges. His leadership roles, including presidency of the Society for Freshwater Science, reflect professional recognition. Current research is supported by grants like the NSF RAPID project on climate change-induced flooding, addressing urgent conservation questions through collaborative science. Through the ISU Stream Ecology Center, Dr. Baxter mentors graduate students and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, advancing river science while training the next generation of freshwater ecologists. His lab serves as a hub for integrating field studies with social-ecological modeling to address complex watershed challenges.

• Freshwater Ecology
• Stream Ecology
• River Ecosystems
• +5 more

Tyler Radniecki is a Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University's College of Engineering. His work bridges environmental engineering and public health through innovative wastewater and stormwater treatment research. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Yale University (2005) M.S. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Yale University (2001) B.S. in Environmental Science from Bemidji State University (1999) Research Focus: Dr. Radniecki pioneers microbiome engineering for sustainable wastewater treatment and wastewater-based epidemiology , with groundbreaking work on SARS-CoV-2 and Avian Influenza surveillance. His research integrates environmental engineering principles with microbiological insights to optimize anaerobic digestion, develop advanced bioswales for contaminant removal, and predict community disease burdens through sewage analysis. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal 65% focus on pathogen surveillance (SARS-CoV-2, Avian Influenza), 25% on environmental impacts of biosolids/stormwater treatment, and 10% on analytical methods. His work increasingly bridges engineering with public health policy, featuring longitudinal wastewater monitoring across Oregon communities and innovative approaches to pandemic resilience. Awards and Recognition: Featured in major news outlets for "Tracing the virus through the sewers" research and recipient of an NSF CAREER award for advancing anaerobic co-digestion through theoretical ecology principles. Research Leadership: Dr. Radniecki directs the Oregon Wastewater Surveillance project and leads three research groups: Water and Environment, Sustainable Energy, and Health and Biotechnology. His current NSF-funded projects include shaping anaerobic digester microbiomes for methane production, developing PFAS-removing bioswales, and expanding wastewater epidemiology to new pathogens through academic-practice partnerships with public health agencies.

• Wastewater Treatment
• Stormwater Treatment
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
• +5 more

Luke Roy is an Extension Professor and Assistant School Director of AFFC Operations at Auburn University's School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences. He leads extension programs focused on enhancing biological and economic sustainability in catfish and shrimp farming in Alabama and the U.S., with a particular emphasis on inland low-salinity aquaculture. His role bridges industry needs and academic research, promoting technological adoption and rural development in Latin America. Education: While formal education details are not explicitly stated, his expertise aligns with advanced training in aquatic sciences or related fields given his research and extension roles. Research Interests: His work centers on aquaculture production systems, feed optimization, disease management, and economic analyses. Key areas include genetic improvement in fish, microbiome impacts on fish health, and sustainable practices in shrimp and tilapia farming. He also investigates avian depredation impacts and biosecurity measures in aquaculture. Labs/Teams: Based at the Alabama Fish Farming Center, he collaborates with industry stakeholders and academic teams to develop practical solutions for commercial producers. His extension activities include demonstrations of new technologies like split-pond systems and biofloc tanks. Grants/Advising: While specific grants are not listed, his publications indicate funded research on topics like synbiotic systems for shrimp, dietary enzyme impacts, and thermal tolerance in fish. He advises industry through extension programs without explicitly listed student advisees.

• Aquaculture
• Fisheries Management
• Aquatic Sciences
• +3 more

Donald Leopold is a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Environmental Biology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). He specializes in conservation biology, wetland ecology, and plant species restoration. His research focuses on wetland plant communities, endangered species recovery, and the impacts of human activities on ecological systems. Leopold holds a degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Ecology and Evolution with a Linguistics minor. His research interests include wetland restoration, climate change impacts on plant species, and the ecological roles of keystone species. He has published extensively on topics such as deer population dynamics in protected areas, greenhouse gas fluxes in restored wetlands, and the conservation of rare plant species like the hart’s tongue fern. Leopold actively advises graduate students in Environmental & Forest Biology, focusing on topics like green roof plant ecology and inland salt marsh phylogeography. Leopold’s work integrates field studies, ecological modeling, and restoration practices. He has contributed to regional conservation projects, including assessments of Lake Atitlan’s littoral zone and studies on Adirondack and New York City floras. His teaching and research emphasize hands-on ecological field methods and community-based conservation strategies.

• Conservation Biology
• Wetland Ecology
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more