Edward J. Heist

Edward J. Heist is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research focuses on Conservation Genetics, Population Genetics, and Fish Molecular Ecology.

He teaches courses including Marine Biology (Zool 385), Molecular Genetics Techniques (Zool 579), Conservation Genetics (Zool 584), and Evolution (Zool 510). His academic background includes a Ph.D. from the College of William and Mary.

Recent publications highlight his work on endangered sturgeon species, landscape genetics of terrestrial mammals, and molecular marker development. His lab integrates genetic tools across marine and freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing

• Wildlife conservation
• Population connectivity
• Reproductive ecology
• Habitat fragmentation impacts

.