Steven J Price

Dr. Steven J. Price is an Associate Professor of Stream and Riparian Ecology at the University of Kentucky within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. His research focuses on the population ecology, conservation biology, and management of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, particularly reptiles and amphibians, which are experiencing severe population declines.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biology (Wake Forest University, 2011), M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2003), B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2000)

Research interests derive from his lab's three main areas:

• Wildlife responses to land-use changes (e.g., mining, urbanization)
• Development of field methods (e.g., eDNA sampling, spatial capture-recapture)
• Conservation of imperiled species (e.g., hellbenders, desert tortoises)

Scientific trends from his 15 most recent publications highlight:

• Amphibian and reptile population dynamics in anthropogenically altered habitats
• Impacts of mining, urbanization, and climate change on aquatic ecosystems
• Methodological advancements in eDNA, telemetry, and disease ecology
• Conservation strategies for declining species like freshwater mussels and salamanders

Dr. Price has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including Sarah Tomke, Kathryn Green, Jake Hutton, and Mickey Agha, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees or professional roles in conservation. His lab collaborates with agencies like the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Science Foundation. The Price Lab also explores landscape ecology, urban herpetology, and the intersection of renewable energy development with wildlife conservation.