Ron Van Den Bussche

Dr. Ron Van Den Bussche is a Regents Professor of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University (OSU), with affiliations in the College of Arts & Sciences. He holds administrative roles as Senior Associate Vice President for Research and previously served as Associate Dean for Research (2006–2014) and Interim Head of the Zoology Department (2005–2006). His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Zoology from Texas Tech University (1989), postdoctoral training at the University of Idaho and Texas Tech, and a Fulbright Fellowship at the Polish Academy of Sciences (2005).

Education:

• Ph.D., Zoology, Texas Tech University (1989)
• M.S., Biology, University of Memphis (1984)
• B.S., Wildlife Management, Eastern Kentucky University (1982)

Research Interests: His work focuses on conservation genomics, molecular phylogenetics, and evolutionary biology. Key areas include genetic management of endangered species (e.g., golden eagles, Ozark big-eared bats), phylogeography, and invasive species biology. He employs cutting-edge tools like SNP arrays and environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity conservation.

Grants & Awards:

• Over 18 grants, including NSF-funded projects on cavefish conservation and genomic resources for bald eagles.
• Outstanding Professor Award (1999), Fulbright Fellowship (2005).

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on genomic conservation, including studies on reptiles, birds, and mammals. Active in OSU’s research infrastructure, such as the genome sequencing facility funded through an MRI grant (2016).