Rockwell Parker

Rockwell Parker is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, James Madison University, with a career spanning from 2015 to present. His academic journey includes a PhD in Zoology (2010), MS in Zoology (2004), and BS in Zoology (2002). As Assistant Dean for Excellence, he integrates leadership with research and teaching.

• PhD in Zoology, 2010, Oregon State University
• MS in Zoology, 2004, Washington State University
• BS in Zoology, 2002, University of Arkansas

Research Interests

• Reptile Reproduction: Behavior, sex pheromones, gene expression, and host-microbe interactions.
• Invasive Species Biology: Role of chemical signals in mate searching and ecological impact.
• Chemosensory Mechanisms: Hormone manipulation effects on pheromone composition and behavioral assays using Y-mazes.
• Molecular Ecology: Steroidogenic gene expression and stress hormone receptor dynamics in snakes.

Article Trends: Parker’s recent work (2023–2025) focuses on chemical communication in reptiles, hormonal regulation of pheromones, and methodological advancements in behavioral assays. Earlier studies (2017–2021) explore chemosensory behavior, gene expression patterns, and invasive species dynamics.

Advising and Collaboration: He mentors students like Hannah Rucker and Alexander Baedke, who co-author publications. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining fieldwork and lab experiments, with applications in conservation biology and ecological management.