About Ecology and Conservation Biology
Department Overview
The faculty, staff, and students in the Texas A&M University Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECCB) conduct research that advances biological discovery, fundamental ecological knowledge, and their applications to promote biodiversity conservation, environmental health, and natural resource sustainability. Our research addresses diverse aspects of ecology from genes to ecosystems and settings from local to global. The department’s 34 full-time faculty members prepare students to be accomplished scientists and conservationists capable of working collaboratively to solve complex environmental problems in a rapidly changing world. Most ECCB graduates advance to graduate study or other professional programs and ultimately to careers in science, animal health, biological conservation, environmental assessment, ecological restoration and other fields critical for a sustainable future.
Howdy and Welcome!
The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology engages in interdisciplinary research spanning the entire spectrum of ecological levels, from the smallest genetic components to entire ecosystems. Through these efforts, our students, staff, and faculty are dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity, sustaining essential ecosystem services, and preserving our precious natural resources in a changing world.
I want to convey the collective excitement that my colleagues and I feel about this fresh chapter for our department. We’re a team with a shared commitment to teaching, research, and serving our professional communities and society at large.
With this vision, the Department of Ecology and Conservation seeks to lead in discovering, disseminating, and applying knowledge about life on Earth and how to safeguard it. By lead, we mean:
• Educating students of diverse backgrounds who rise to leadership positions in civil service, education, government, and industry.
• Pioneering interdisciplinary and technologically advanced research that has a global impact and is readily accessible.
• Fostering an academic culture that values diverse perspectives, talents, and identities and strengthens Texas A&M University’s core values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service.
• Preparing students for a lifetime of thoughtful engagement with public issues that intersect science, technology, and society.
Please explore our website and delve into our educational programs, the remarkable individuals who form our community, and the numerous opportunities to participate in research and outreach for conservation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you seek further information. Your interest and involvement mean the world to us.
We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about our educational programs, people, and exciting opportunities to engage in research and conservation outreach. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Dr. Katy Gonder
Department Head
Mission
The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology conducts interdisciplinary research across all levels of biodiversity, from genes to ecosystems, to confront the grand challenge of conserving natural resources in a rapidly changing world. This research is integrated with undergraduate and graduate teaching programs to prepare the next generation of leaders in conservation science
Vision
We strive for preeminence among academic programs in ecology and conservation biology. Our faculty is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and teaching, informing conservation and management solutions, and preparing students as future leaders who will solve complex environmental problems in Texas and across the world.
Looking to the Future
We are extremely optimistic about our future direction and purpose. We have developed a new, bold strategic plan and are committed to being the global flagship department in preparing the best leaders, educators, and communicators in the world. We will accomplish this by ensuring a high-quality curriculum, mentoring students, delivering the best Extension programming, developing adult leaders, working with global partners for the co-creation of knowledge and the development of human capacity, and generating scholarship with societal impact.
Department Newsletter
The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology newsletter provides a means for everyone to know people in our department better and stay informed about recent events and accomplishments, as well as upcoming events and opportunities.
Ecology and Conservation Biology News
Forest ecologist Aaron Hogan joins ECCB
J. Aaron Hogan, Ph.D., a forest ecologist, investigates how forests respond to global changes like rising carbon dioxide, drought, warming, and extreme weather. By studying everything from individual trees to entire landscapes, his lab uncovers the mechanisms driving ecosystem change.
Grassland and prairie expert Eric Duell named to department faculty
Eric Duell, Ph.D., a plant ecologist, studies how plants interact with soil microbes and how these relationships shape ecosystems and support vital services. His research is especially focused on grasslands and prairies, drawing on a lifelong connection to the Great Plains.
Antonio Rodrigues explores evolutionary dynamics across species
Antonio Rodrigues’, D.Phil., research combines theoretical models and quantitative methods to study how evolutionary processes shape life, from microbes to mammals. His work aims to uncover key ecological principles and inform conservation through insights into cooperation, conflict, and biodiversity.