Chadwick V. Tillberg

Chadwick V. Tillberg serves as a Professor in the Department of Biology at Linfield University, conducting research from the Keck Science Center (503-883-2221). His work bridges field ecology and laboratory analysis with strong undergraduate involvement.

His academic foundation includes:

• B.A. in Biology from the University of Kansas
• Ph.D. in Environmental, Population and Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder
• Postdoctoral research in the Department of Animal Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Tillberg's research centers on terrestrial invertebrate community ecology, specifically investigating how ants mediate food web interactions. His work examines invasive ant impacts on endangered species like Fender's blue butterfly, ant-driven plant-herbivore-predator dynamics, and omnivory's role in ecosystem stability. Field studies in Oregon form the core of his empirical approach, often incorporating stable isotope analysis for trophic positioning.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on Argentine ant invasion ecology across native and introduced ranges, with methodological emphasis on temporal/spatial variation and isotopic enrichment techniques. His work spans conservation applications (endangered species protection), theoretical ecology (food web structure), and practical management (herbicide non-target effects).

Dr. Tillberg actively mentors Linfield undergraduates in field and lab research, with students regularly presenting at national conferences. His grant portfolio includes three consecutive Bureau of Land Management awards (2016-2018 totaling $13,020) studying herbicide impacts on invertebrate communities within West Eugene Wetlands Fender's blue butterfly habitats.

He co-hosts the public engagement podcast Crisscrossing Science, addressing listener-submitted science questions through collaborative exploration.