Tag N. Engstrom

Tag N. Engstrom is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at California State University, Chico. He holds affiliations with the College of Natural Sciences and teaches courses including Biological University Experience, Evolution Capstone, and Field Ecology. His research focuses on the systematics, ecology, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, particularly turtles, with active projects on pond turtles, garter snakes, and marine turtles. He has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students in ecology and organismal zoology.

Engstrom’s research spans conservation genetics, eco-morphology, and invasive species management, with notable studies on turtle population genetics and phylogeny. His work frequently involves collaborations on endangered species conservation, including loggerhead turtles and softshell turtles in Southeast Asia. He has published extensively on molecular markers, phylogenetic methodologies, and conservation strategies for reptiles.

• Key Research Areas: Turtle systematics, conservation genetics, ecological morphology, invasive species, amphibian-reptile conservation.
• Teaching: BIOL 109, 152, 302Z, 484, 600, 605, 613, 614.
• Notable Projects: Western Pond Turtle conservation, Giant Garter Snake genetics, Hawaii invasive species studies.

His advising record includes graduates now working in federal agencies, consulting, and international conservation roles. Engstrom’s research often integrates fieldwork with molecular techniques, addressing both basic and applied ecological questions.