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Hugh Lefcort is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Gonzaga University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is an active researcher and educator, specializing in behavioral ecology and ecotoxicology, with a focus on how pollution and parasites affect invertebrate behavior. He teaches a range of courses including Physiology and Biodiversity, Ecology, Parasitology, and Climate Change Science and Policy. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology, Oregon State University, 1993 B.A. in Anthropology, University of Washington, 1985 His research centers on the behavioral responses of invertebrates—particularly snails and ticks—to environmental stressors such as heavy metals, elevated CO2, and pathogens. He investigates how these stressors alter predator avoidance, physiological responses, and species interactions. His work often involves undergraduate researchers, reflecting his commitment to training critical thinkers through hands-on research. The 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent focus on ecotoxicology and climate change impacts, with recurring themes in chemical sensing, stressor interactions, and evolutionary adaptation. His studies span terrestrial and aquatic systems, with strong emphasis on bioindicators and vector behavior, particularly in the context of human-altered environments. Scientific Awards: No formal awards listed in the provided text. Lefcort actively mentors undergraduate students, many of whom co-author his publications. His lab investigates the effects of Rickettsia bacteria on tick behavior, the influence of rising atmospheric CO2 on tick questing, and the neurobehavioral impacts of PFAS on snails. He welcomes intellectually curious students to join his research team. While no external grants are explicitly mentioned, his sustained publication record suggests ongoing research support. He maintains an active research program with a strong emphasis on undergraduate involvement, ecological monitoring, and the intersection of environmental change and animal behavior.

• Behavioral Ecology
• Ecotoxicology
• Invertebrate Behavior
• +5 more

Dr. Kevin E. McCluney serves as Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within Bowling Green State University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research laboratory investigates critical ecological dynamics across aquatic, terrestrial, and urban environments throughout the United States. Research interests focus on four interconnected domains: (1) Ecological implications of animal water balance ('water webs'), examining how water requirements drive trophic interactions beyond traditional energy-based models; (2) Water quantity and quality dynamics, including nutrient fluxes from agricultural systems, cyanobacterial bloom impacts, and wastewater chemical effects; (3) Urbanization and climate change interactions, particularly thermal and hydrological alterations affecting arthropod communities; (4) Multi-scale ecological fluctuations in riverine systems. His work integrates physiological, isotopic, and ecological approaches to address sustainability challenges in changing environments. Publication trends reveal consistent focus on water-mediated ecological processes across urban, agricultural, and natural systems. Recent work increasingly examines climate change synergies with urbanization, particularly through invertebrate physiology and community responses. Key contributions include establishing 'water webs' as a framework for understanding trophic interactions and demonstrating urban environments as climate change analogs. Dr. McCluney actively recruits MS and PhD students for his lab, which maintains a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His teaching includes advanced courses such as BIOL 4270/5550: Invertebrate Biology, emphasizing evidence-based learning approaches to study invertebrate taxonomy, physiology, and ecological roles.

• Community Physiological Ecology
• Global Change Ecology
• Urban Ecology
• +4 more

Darren Ward is a Professor in the Department of Fisheries Biology at Cal Poly Humboldt, conducting field-intensive research in freshwater ecology with emphasis on Pacific salmon conservation. His work investigates life history diversity, population regulation mechanisms, predator-prey dynamics, and elemental tracer applications in fish bioenergetics across California river systems. Education: B.S. in Fisheries, 1998, Utah State University M.S. in Fisheries, 2002, University of Minnesota Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2007, Dartmouth College Dr. Ward's research integrates conservation ecology with practical fisheries management, focusing on salmonid responses to habitat alteration, invasive species, and restoration efforts. His mercury tracer studies reveal critical bioenergetic pathways in aquatic food webs, while recent work examines Klamath River dam removal impacts on coho salmon recolonization. Field methodologies form the cornerstone of his ecological investigations. Publication analysis shows increasing emphasis on large-scale restoration modeling, advanced statistical approaches for survival estimation, and invasive species ecology. His 2023-2025 work addresses dam removal consequences, pulse flow effects on invertebrate drift, and meta-ecosystem connectivity for juvenile salmonids across coastal nurseries. Scientific Awards: None mentioned in source materials. Dr. Ward has supervised ten Master's students (2014-2021) researching coho salmon life histories in Humboldt Bay, Klamath River, and Freshwater Creek watersheds. His grant activities include Fisheries Restoration Grant P1610508 and long-term life cycle monitoring at Freshwater Creek, demonstrating applied research partnerships with state and federal agencies. Based in the Wildlife & Fisheries Building, his research leverages Northern California's diverse aquatic habitats through intensive field campaigns, often involving collaborative agency partnerships to address pressing salmonid conservation challenges in dynamic river ecosystems.

• Freshwater Ecology
• Fisheries Biology
• Conservation Ecology
• +4 more

John J. Hutchens Jr. is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Coastal Carolina University. His research focuses on aquatic and wetland ecosystems, particularly examining how human activities affect benthic macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem processes. Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia M.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech Dr. Hutchens' work spans stream and wetland ecology, with specific interests in: Human impacts on aquatic systems Benthic macroinvertebrate ecology Leaf litter decomposition dynamics Carnivorous plant prey interactions Terrestrial-aquatic linkages Ecological restoration methodologies Recent publications reveal trends in freshwater conservation, with studies on: Age-0 fish distribution in habitat restoration Drought effects on wetland macroconsumers Standardized river bioassessment protocols Shoreline development impacts on marshes Invasive species dynamics in aquatic habitats Methodological advances in stream organic matter analysis Dr. Hutchens has held academic positions at Coastal Carolina University since 1989, including: Professor (current) Associate Professor Assistant Professor Postdoctoral research at EPA and Natural Resources Research Institute

• Aquatic Ecology
• Stream and Wetland Ecosystems
• Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ecology
• +5 more

Jeremy M. Brooks is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Idaho State University's Department of Biological Sciences and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Montana's W.A. Franke College of Forestry. He specializes in stream-riparian ecology, food web dynamics, and biology education. His research focuses on climate change impacts, riparian vegetation resilience, and ecological linkages in Yellowstone's ecosystems. Brooks holds a PhD from Idaho State University (2024) and a BS from the University of Montana (2017). Lead Researcher: NSF RAPID grant ($99,882) investigating climate-induced flooding effects on Yellowstone stream-riparian systems Co-PI for proposed David H. Smith Fellowship ($182,100) on pyrodiversity biodiversity links Teaching roles include co-instructing Fish Biology & Management (UM) and contributing to ecology/entomology courses at ISU. Awards include the Andy Sheldon Endowment Award (2023) and Best Student Presentation (2023). He actively collaborates with the Stream Ecology Center and US Forest Service researchers.

• Stream-riparian ecology
• Foodweb interactions
• Aquatic-terrestrial linkages
• +3 more

Allyson K. Jackson is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Purchase College SUNY, within the School of Natural and Social Sciences. She teaches courses including General Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Biostatistics, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Toxicology, Ornithology, and Environmental Studies Junior Seminar. Dr. Jackson also serves as the faculty organizer for the Purchase College Native Plant Garden. Dr. Jackson earned her PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife from Oregon State University in 2017, where she completed her dissertation titled "You are what, when, where, and how you eat: mercury in avian food webs across multiple spatial scales" under advisors Dr. Collin Eagles-Smith and Dr. Douglas Robinson. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching from Oregon State University (2015), an MS in Biology from the College of William and Mary (2010), and a BS in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Juniata College (2007). Her research focuses on wildlife ecology, avian conservation, and contaminants in food webs, with particular expertise in mercury bioaccumulation in avian ecosystems. Dr. Jackson's work spans multiple spatial scales, examining how mercury moves through food webs and affects bird populations across different landscapes. Through her JacksonEcoLab, she investigates how environmental contaminants impact wildlife health and ecosystem function. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on mercury contamination in avian systems, with research spanning terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems across North America. Her work combines field ecology with toxicological analysis to understand the complex pathways of mercury exposure in wildlife. Dr. Jackson is actively engaged in environmental stewardship through her leadership of the Purchase College Native Plant Garden and maintains an active research presence through her lab's social media channels (JacksonEcoLab on Facebook and Instagram).

• Wildlife ecology
• Avian conservation
• Contaminants and food webs
• +2 more

Professor Nicholas A. Baer is a faculty member at Colby-Sawyer College's School of Arts & Sciences since 2004. His expertise spans ecology, environmental studies, conservation biology, and aquatic chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from the University of Vermont. Ph.D., University of Maryland B.A., University of Vermont His research focuses on mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater systems, dissolved organic carbon dynamics, and aquatic-terrestrial linkages. He integrates students into his studies of Lake Sunapee watershed foodweb interactions and collaborates with regional lake associations and cross-institutional researchers. Professor Baer's publications reveal a consistent focus on mercury cycling (8 entries), dissolved organic carbon effects on aquatic ecosystems (7 entries), and interdisciplinary collaborations (4 entries). Key subfields include aquatic entomology, watershed management, and bioindicators of environmental change. He teaches ecology and freshwater biology courses emphasizing fieldwork in New Hampshire's lakes and streams. His pedagogical work includes developing student-led lab modules that enhance quantitative analysis skills in ecological education. Current projects examine mercury transport through aquatic foodwebs and dissolved organic carbon's role in stream ecosystem function. He leads field-based learning expeditions across New England's diverse biomes.

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Conservation Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Steven J. Price is an Associate Professor of Stream and Riparian Ecology at the University of Kentucky within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. His research focuses on the population ecology, conservation biology, and management of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, particularly reptiles and amphibians, which are experiencing severe population declines. Education : Ph.D. in Biology (Wake Forest University, 2011), M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2003), B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2000) Research interests derive from his lab's three main areas: Wildlife responses to land-use changes (e.g., mining, urbanization) Development of field methods (e.g., eDNA sampling, spatial capture-recapture) Conservation of imperiled species (e.g., hellbenders, desert tortoises) Scientific trends from his 15 most recent publications highlight: Amphibian and reptile population dynamics in anthropogenically altered habitats Impacts of mining, urbanization, and climate change on aquatic ecosystems Methodological advancements in eDNA, telemetry, and disease ecology Conservation strategies for declining species like freshwater mussels and salamanders Dr. Price has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including Sarah Tomke, Kathryn Green, Jake Hutton, and Mickey Agha, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees or professional roles in conservation. His lab collaborates with agencies like the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Science Foundation. The Price Lab also explores landscape ecology, urban herpetology, and the intersection of renewable energy development with wildlife conservation.

• Population Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Freshwater Biology
• +9 more

Matthew Persons is the Charles B. Degenstein Professor of Biology at Susquehanna University, where he teaches courses including Ecology & Evolution, Invertebrate Zoology, and Animal Behavior. He coordinates the Ecology Major and serves as Program Director for GO Australia. His research focuses on behavioral ecology, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, and neuroscience using spiders as a model organism. PhD and MS from the University of Cincinnati BA from Albion College Persons investigates how animal communication and information use influence survival and reproduction. Key projects include studying herbicide impacts on spider parental care, predator-prey dynamics, kin recognition, and environmental toxicology. His work spans both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Recent research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining neuroscience , ecotoxicology , and climate change ecology , with a focus on Tigrosa helluo and Pardosa milvina wolf spiders.

• Behavioral Ecology
• Animal Communication
• Chemical Ecology
• +8 more

Matthew Wooller is a Professor jointly appointed by the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the Water and Environmental Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He serves as Director of the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility and previously directed the Alaska Quaternary Center . PhD in Palaeoecology, University of Wales Swansea (1999) MSc in Ecology, University of Wales Bangor (1994) BSc in Biology and Ecology, Worcester University (1992) Wooller's research focuses on isotope ecology to investigate ecological and paleoenvironmental questions , particularly in the Arctic. His work explores: Organic matter sources in Arctic food webs Human dispersals in the Americas Climate change impacts on ecosystems Marine and terrestrial paleoenvironmental reconstructions The 15 most recent publications highlight his expertise in applying stable isotope techniques to diverse systems, including: Arctic marine food webs (walruses, seals, belugas) Paleoclimatology (peatlands, lake sediments, craters) Archaeological studies (ancient hearths, bison teeth) Mercury contamination in marine ecosystems Wooller leads teams at the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility and collaborates extensively with institutions across the Arctic and beyond.

• Stable Isotope Ecology
• Paleoecology
• Arctic Ecology
• +3 more

Bryant Wayne Buchanan is a Distinguished Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Utica University, part of the School of Arts & Sciences. He has been at Utica since 2001, teaching courses such as General Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Biology of Vertebrates. His academic journey began with a B.S in Zoology from the University of Southern Mississippi (1986), followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette (1988, 1993). Dr. Buchanan's research focuses on the impact of artificial night lighting (light pollution) on nocturnal organisms, particularly amphibians. His work explores how disruption of natural light-dark cycles affects biological processes tied to melatonin and serotonin production. He also investigates the evolution of amphibian behavior and communication, with special interest in alternative reproductive tactics and the interaction of different sensory modalities in nocturnal animals. His scientific contributions include numerous publications on light pollution effects, amphibian behavior, and sensory ecology. Dr. Buchanan has received several teaching awards including the Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award (2015) and the Purple Chalk Teaching Award from the University of Missouri (1997). Dr. Buchanan actively involves undergraduate students in his research, with many serving as co-authors on his publications. His laboratory focuses on projects assessing the effects of light pollution on nocturnal behavior, reproduction, and physiology of amphibians and invertebrates, as well as studies on nocturnal visual capabilities of frogs and salamanders.

• Behavioral Ecology
• Amphibian Biology
• Sensory Ecology
• +5 more

Colin Jackson is a Professor of Biology and Faculty Instructor at the University of Mississippi. His research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly microbial communities in natural environments and host-associated systems such as freshwater mussels and plants. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Salford (1991), an M.S. from the University of Toledo (1995), and a Ph.D. from The University of Alabama (1999). Dr. Jackson’s work examines how microbial communities interact with their environments, including studies on sediment biogeochemistry, phyllosphere microbiology, and the functional roles of freshwater mussels in ecosystems. His research highlights the impacts of bioturbation, nutrient cycling, and invasive species on microbial diversity and ecosystem processes. Key projects include investigations into mussel-driven nitrogen removal in streams and the effects of environmental variables on microbial community composition. His contributions span over three decades, with publications in journals like Freshwater Science and Microbial Ecology . He has collaborated on studies analyzing microbial responses to salinity changes, extremophile adaptations in Mars analog environments, and the microbiomes of cnidarians and freshwater invertebrates. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating genetic, taxonomic, and functional data to address ecological and conservation challenges. Award recognition is not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Jackson’s advising and grant activities are not detailed here, but his extensive publication record underscores sustained research engagement. His lab focuses on microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycles, and microbial community dynamics in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

• Microbial Ecology
• Freshwater Ecosystems
• Bacterial Community Dynamics
• +3 more

Heather Bechtold is a Professor of Biology in the Department of Biological and Health Sciences at Lock Haven University, where she is also affiliated with the Watershed Ecology Center (WEC). Her work bridges aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem science, with a strong focus on human and natural disturbances affecting watershed function. Research Interests: Her research investigates how changes in forest structure—driven by climate change, pest invasions, acid deposition, and restoration—affect stream nutrient dynamics and metabolism. She also studies the impacts of natural disturbances like hurricanes and landslides, as well as novel contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanoparticles, on ecosystem function. Her fieldwork spans natural, agricultural, and urban watersheds. Publication Trends: Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on ecosystem resilience, nutrient cycling, and contaminant impacts in stream environments. Themes include pharmaceutical pollution, forest age effects on streams, microbial community responses, and innovative methods like photodegrading dyes for light measurement. Much of her work is collaborative and often includes undergraduate researchers. Scientific Awards: No awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Bechtold actively mentors undergraduate students, as evidenced by numerous student-coauthored publications and presentations at regional and national conferences. She has guided research on topics including invasive earthworms, pesticide effects, firing range pollutants, and microbial responses to contamination. Her collaborations with agencies like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission suggest involvement in funded projects. Labs and Teams: She leads research through the Watershed Ecology Center at Lock Haven University, where she conducts field and laboratory studies on stream ecosystems. Her team includes undergraduate researchers and collaborators from institutions such as the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Cornell University, and Bloomsburg University.

• Ecosystem Ecology
• Watershed Science
• Stream Ecology
• +10 more

Matthew Barnes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University, where his research focuses on forecasting biological invasions and advancing methodologies for invasive species management and ecological impact assessment. Education: B.A. in Biology (minor in Sociology) from Southwestern University Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame Research Interests: Dr. Barnes employs species distribution models, GIS, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance, and experimental approaches to investigate aquatic invasions and human-environment interactions. His work emphasizes eDNA applications for detecting invasive species like apple snails and dreissenid mussels, with particular focus on airborne eDNA for ecosystem monitoring, eDNA kinetics in aquatic systems, and biomass-concentration relationships. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal concentrated research on eDNA methodologies across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, invasive species detection/control (especially Pomacea maculata), and habitat conservation. Key interdisciplinary themes bridge molecular ecology, conservation biology, and spatial analysis, with growing emphasis on airborne eDNA applications for biodiversity monitoring. Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Barnes teaches Introduction to Freshwater Ecology, Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources Management, and Natural Resources Policy to undergraduate and graduate students while actively mentoring researchers in invasive species ecology and eDNA techniques. Laboratory and Team: His research group at Texas Tech utilizes cutting-edge molecular tools and spatial modeling to address invasive species challenges, with projects spanning the Lower Pecos River ecosystem, amphibian pathogen surveillance, and innovative control strategies for aquatic invasions.

• Biological Invasions
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• Aquatic Ecology
• +3 more

Paul Stone is a Professor of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma, specializing in reptile ecology and conservation with a particular focus on turtles. He maintains an active research program including long-term field studies in the Peloncillo Mountains of New Mexico and Arizona, as well as investigations of freshwater turtles in Oklahoma. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biology, University of New Mexico, 1995 MS in Zoology, Auburn University, 1990 BS in Wildlife Ecology, University of Florida, 1987 AA, Broward Community College, 1984 Stone's research primarily centers on the ecology and conservation of reptiles, particularly turtles. For over 25 years, he has conducted mark-recapture studies of Sonoran mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in the Peloncillo Mountains, examining population demography, individual movements, natural history, and conservation. His work also includes freshwater turtle studies in Oklahoma farm ponds and research on Mediterranean gecko invasions since 2004. Currently, he mentors graduate students on projects related to aquatic invertebrates, population genetics of mud turtles, road mortality effects, Western chicken turtle distribution, and radiated tortoise conservation in Madagascar. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on turtle ecology and conservation biology over three decades, with particular emphasis on Kinosternon species. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between population ecology, behavioral studies, and conservation applications. Recent publications show increasing attention to climate change impacts on turtle habitats and genetic aspects of conservation. Stone teaches multiple courses including General Biology for Majors, Environmental Biology, Conservation Biology, and Herpetology, integrating his field research into classroom instruction. His mentorship extends to numerous graduate students working on turtle-related research projects across multiple geographic regions.

• Reptile Ecology
• Turtle Conservation
• Population Demography
• +5 more