Paul Stapp

Dr. Paul Stapp is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science at California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton), and the Director of the CSU Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx. He holds a PhD in Zoology (Ecological Studies) from Colorado State University, an MS in Wildlife from the University of New Hampshire, and a BS in Zoology from UC Davis. His research focuses on behavioral, population, and community ecology of wildlife in arid ecosystems, including applied conservation and management challenges. He teaches courses in ecology, conservation biology, and mammalogy.

• Education: PhD (Zoology, Colorado State), MS (Wildlife, University of New Hampshire), BS (Zoology, UC Davis)
• Roles: Faculty Director of Desert Studies Center, CSU Fullerton Professor

Dr. Stapp's research explores species interactions, wildlife-habitat relationships, and anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. His work often involves undergraduates and graduate students, with recent projects examining rodenticide exposure in coyotes, urban wildlife behavior, and climate-driven rodent declines in drylands. He has published extensively on plague dynamics in prairie dogs, rodent ecology in urban environments, and conservation strategies for invasive species.

His articles highlight trends in rodenticide exposure pathways, urban-wildland interface challenges, and the ecological consequences of climate variability. Advising students and collaborating on grants (e.g., NSF-funded projects) are central to his academic contributions. The Desert Studies Center hosts his field-based research and educational initiatives in desert ecosystems.