Charles R. Peterson

Charles R. Peterson is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University and a faculty member of the Geotechnologies Program. His career spanning over three decades focuses on herpetology, particularly the ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Snake River Plain. Teaching responsibilities include courses in General Ecology, Herpetology, Environmental Physiology, and GIS/Photographic Applications in Ecology.

• Ph.D. in Zoology (1982), Washington State University
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Thermal Ecology (1983-1988), University of Chicago

His research integrates thermal ecology, conservation biology, and population dynamics, with fieldwork examining how environmental disturbances like fire, roads, and invasive species affect herpetofauna. Publications emphasize survey methodologies, habitat relationships, and physiological adaptations. Current work connects GIS technologies with biodiversity monitoring.

Recent publications analyze amphibian conservation photography, ranavirus impacts, and landscape connectivity for reptiles. Articles span ecological modeling, thermal biology, and conservation strategies across 40 years, reflecting sustained contributions to herpetology and ecosystem management.

• Outstanding Herpetologist Award, Idaho Herpetological Society (1997)
• ISU Outstanding Researcher Awards (1999, 2002)
• Sigma Xi Jeremy Bigelow Award for Scientific Service (2009)

As an advisor, he has mentored 5 Ph.D., 4 Doctorate of Arts, and 18 Master's students. His work extends to wildlife agency training programs and the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center collaborations.

Peterson directs field projects and monitoring initiatives in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, utilizing radio telemetry and data automation technologies. His laboratory focuses on thermal physiology, habitat fragmentation studies, and conservation photography applications.