Paul Stone is a Professor of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma, specializing in reptile ecology and conservation with a particular focus on turtles. He maintains an active research program including long-term field studies in the Peloncillo Mountains of New Mexico and Arizona, as well as investigations of freshwater turtles in Oklahoma. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biology, University of New Mexico, 1995 MS in Zoology, Auburn University, 1990 BS in Wildlife Ecology, University of Florida, 1987 AA, Broward Community College, 1984 Stone's research primarily centers on the ecology and conservation of reptiles, particularly turtles. For over 25 years, he has conducted mark-recapture studies of Sonoran mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in the Peloncillo Mountains, examining population demography, individual movements, natural history, and conservation. His work also includes freshwater turtle studies in Oklahoma farm ponds and research on Mediterranean gecko invasions since 2004. Currently, he mentors graduate students on projects related to aquatic invertebrates, population genetics of mud turtles, road mortality effects, Western chicken turtle distribution, and radiated tortoise conservation in Madagascar. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on turtle ecology and conservation biology over three decades, with particular emphasis on Kinosternon species. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between population ecology, behavioral studies, and conservation applications. Recent publications show increasing attention to climate change impacts on turtle habitats and genetic aspects of conservation. Stone teaches multiple courses including General Biology for Majors, Environmental Biology, Conservation Biology, and Herpetology, integrating his field research into classroom instruction. His mentorship extends to numerous graduate students working on turtle-related research projects across multiple geographic regions.
