Michael Willig

Dr. Michael R. Willig is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Director of the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on multidisciplinary ecological studies using quantitative approaches, with emphasis on biodiversity, disturbance ecology, and conservation biology from an evolutionary perspective. He leads programs in tropical regions (Paraguay, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Peru) and has extensive experience in both observational and experimental studies across aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

• PhD (1981) and BS (1974) from the University of Pittsburgh
• Advisor: Michael A. Mares

His research integrates metacommunity theory, island biogeography, and spatiotemporal modeling, particularly in tropical montane rainforests (e.g., Luquillo Mountains LTER). He has co-edited seminal works such as Theory of Ecology (2011) and Disturbance and Recovery in a Tropical Forest (2012). Recent publications analyze biodiversity gradients, functional traits, and responses to anthropogenic impacts.

His work spans multiple ecological disciplines, including:

• Metacommunity dynamics
• Environmental gradient analysis
• Conservation prioritization
• Viral diversity in bats
• Long-term disturbance responses
• Biodiversity synthesis across scales

As a leading figure in tropical ecology and biodiversity research, Dr. Willig has held key administrative roles, including Director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Chairman of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University (1994-1997). He has also served as Program Director and Division Director at the National Science Foundation.