Andrew Joseph Kouba

Dr. Andrew Joseph Kouba is the Head and Dale H. Arner Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Mississippi State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Forest Resources and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Animal Physiology from Clemson University, and dual B.S. degrees in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and Zoology from Northwest Missouri State University. His research focuses on conservation physiology, amphibian conservation, reproductive and nutritional ecology, and human-wildlife interactions. He leads the Conservation Physiology Laboratory and collaborates on projects involving endangered species such as giant pandas and amphibians.

Key research contributions include developing hormonal protocols for spermiation induction in amphibians, advancing cryopreservation techniques for genetic resource banking, and applying near-infrared spectroscopy for non-invasive species identification and nutritional analysis. He teaches courses on conservation biology and zoo/aquarium science. His work spans global collaborations, including studies on Chinese giant salamanders and panda habitat connectivity.

Dr. Kouba’s publications emphasize amphibian reproductive physiology, conservation technology, and ecological impacts. He advises graduate students like Devin Chen and Namia Stevenson and has contributed to wildlife management strategies for threatened species. His lab integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and computational models to address conservation challenges.