Ray C. Schmidt

Ray C. Schmidt is an Assistant Professor at Randolph-Macon College and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution since 2018. His work focuses on the evolutionary patterns and diversity of African freshwater fishes, with extensive fieldwork in Guinea, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya.

• PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University (2014)
• MS in Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (2008)
• BS in Fisheries & Wildlife from South Dakota State University (2005)

His research integrates historical biogeography, integrative taxonomy, and conservation biology to study African freshwater fish communities. He has conducted postdoctoral research on the effects of development projects on fish community structure in Kenya's Northern Ewaso Ng'iro basin.

The 15 most recent publications highlight his expertise in species discovery, biogeography, and biodiversity analysis across Central and West Africa, with a focus on catfishes, barbs, and killifishes. Key trends include taxonomy of Mochokidae and Cyprinidae, environmental impacts on fish communities, and conservation strategies.

Teaching responsibilities include courses in Evolution, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Advanced Biology Research.