Todd T. Tracy

Dr. Todd T. Tracy is a Professor of Biology and Department Chair at Northwestern College. He joined the faculty in 2002 and holds expertise in prairie restoration, insect community ecology, and environmental impacts of infrastructure. His work spans bumblebee/ant dynamics, windfarm effects on birds, and invasive species management in Midwestern ecosystems.

Education:

• Ph.D., Colorado State University
• M.S., Colorado State University
• B.A., Cornell College

Research Interests: Dr. Tracy focuses on restoring native prairie ecosystems through controlled burns and invasive species removal. His studies on bumblebee and ant communities explore pollinator health and interspecies competition. He also investigates how windfarm development disrupts grassland bird migration patterns. Recent work evaluates the ecological impacts of non-native species on forest and prairie biodiversity.

Grants & Awards:

• Received 12 NWC Scholarship Grants (2003–2023)
• Mellon Foundation grant for environmental research with student collaborator
• Two Iowa Science Foundation grants (2006–2010)

Teaching & Leadership: Served as Interim Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs at Colorado Christian University and held adjunct roles at Front Range Community College and Kirkwood Community College. Currently oversees biology lab curricula and coordinates Iowa Academy of Science initiatives. Active in AP Environmental Science exam development through CollegeBoard.

Fieldwork: Volunteers with IOWATER water quality monitoring, Iowa/South Dakota Bumblebee Atlas, and USGS Breeding Bird Survey. Participates in the Au Sable Institute's academic advisory work.