Daniel MacNulty

Daniel MacNulty is a Professor in the Wildland Resources department at Utah State University's Quinney College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on predator-prey interactions, particularly wolf-ungulate dynamics in Yellowstone National Park, where he conducts long-term ecological studies.

Dr. MacNulty's educational background includes:

• PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota (2007)
• MS in Wildlife Conservation (with Statistics) from the University of Minnesota (2002)
• BA in Environmental Studies (with Biology) from the University of Colorado (1995)

His research interests span the ecology, evolution, and behavior of predator-prey interactions, with specific focus on eco-evolutionary dynamics, nonconsumptive predator effects, antipredator behavior, life history theory, and cooperative behavior. Dr. MacNulty's work often examines human-carnivore conflict and wolf-ungulate dynamics, particularly in Yellowstone National Park. His research integrates animal behavior, population biology, and community ecology to address both theoretical and applied questions in conservation.

An analysis of Dr. MacNulty's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on wolf ecology and behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and ecosystem-level effects of carnivores. His work spans multiple continents and incorporates both field observations and theoretical modeling. Key themes across his publications include the influence of group size on hunting success, territorial behavior in social carnivores, interspecific competition between apex predators, and the ecological consequences of predator reintroduction programs.

Dr. MacNulty has received significant recognition for his teaching and mentoring:

• QCNR 2017 Undergraduate Mentor of the Year
• QCNR 2014 Teacher of the Year

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. MacNulty has guided numerous graduate students through their research in wildland resources, focusing on mammalogy, population ecology, and wildlife management. His teaching portfolio includes courses in Mammalogy (WILD/BIOL 5580) and Ecology of Animal Populations (WILD 6400), where he integrates his research expertise with practical field techniques.

Dr. MacNulty leads the MacNulty Animal Ecology Lab, which works at the interface of animal behavior, population biology, and community ecology. The lab's research centers on a long-term collaborative study of carnivores, ungulates, and plants in northern Yellowstone National Park, with the overarching goal of understanding how predators structure food webs and modify ecosystem function.