William B. Sutton

William B. Sutton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture. He joined TSU in 2014 and maintains his office in 202G Farrell-Westbrook Building. His research focuses on wildlife ecology in the context of environmental change, with particular expertise in herpetology and conservation biology.

Dr. Sutton's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. (2010) – Alabama A&M University (Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences)
• M.S. (2004) – Marshall University (Biological Sciences)
• B.S. (2002) – Wheeling Jesuit University (Biology – Minor [Chemistry])

His research interests span across multiple areas of wildlife ecology, with a particular focus on:

• Wildlife Biology
• Herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians)
• Conservation Biology
• Biostatistics

Dr. Sutton's research program examines wildlife ecology primarily in the context of a changing environment. His work encompasses habitat modeling, environmental DNA analysis, land use change, and climate change impacts on wildlife populations. He encourages students to develop their own research questions and progress as scientists, pursue external funding, participate in other research opportunities, and publish research early and often.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through several awards:

• First place honors (paper presentation category) 2010 Alabama Academy of Sciences
• First place honors (paper presentation category) 2007 15th annual Biennial Southern Silviculture Research Conference
• Recipient of the Frank G. Brooks award (best oral presentation) 2002 national Tri-Beta convention
• Biological Honors Society (Beta Beta Beta)
• Jesuit Honors Society (Alpha Sigma Nu)
• Eagle Scout, Troop #63 (1998), Philippi, WV

Dr. Sutton has held various professional appointments including:

• 2013-2014: Post-doctoral Research Associate (Clemson University, Clemson, SC)
• 2012: Adjunct Instructor of Biology (Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN)
• 2011-2012: Post-doctoral Research Associate (University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN)

He leads the Wildlife Ecology Laboratory at Tennessee State University, where students work on a wide variety of research topics important for conserving and managing wildlife populations. The laboratory focuses on habitat modeling, environmental DNA analysis, land use change, and climate change impacts on wildlife.