Brad Shaffer

Brad Shaffer is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), holding dual affiliations in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Institute of Environment and Sustainability. He currently serves as the Director of the UCLA La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, Director of the Stunt Ranch Reserve in the Santa Monica Mountains, and Principal Investigator (PI) of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), a state-funded initiative. His research integrates evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation biology, with a focus on reptiles and amphibians in California and globally.

Shaffer’s work spans comparative phylogeography, systematics of freshwater turtles and tortoises, and conservation genetics. He emphasizes cutting-edge genomic technologies for biodiversity management and engages students and postdoctoral researchers in advancing these fields. His lab combines natural history, genomics, urban ecology, and landscape ecology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Recent projects include leading the CCGP to create comprehensive genomic datasets for California’s species and advising on conservation strategies post-wildfires. He has been featured in media outlets such as NPR and Gizmodo for his expertise in wildlife conservation and genomics.