Center of Excellence for Field Biology

The Center of Excellence for Field Biology at Austin Peay State University brings together scholars and students from various biological disciplines to conduct research on topics in field biology and ecology, including toxicology, population and community ecology (aquatic and terrestrial) herpetology and the ecology and biology of rare, threatened, and endangered species. The Center provides numerous opportunities for training, research and study with professional field biologists. Field trips are routinely made to Land Between The Lakes (where facilities are available for in-residence group work), Reelfoot Lake, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

The Center has appointments available for six senior research fellows with regional or national reputations in areas of stream ecology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, herpetology, small-invertebrate community studies, vascular plants and forest communities. Senior research fellows undertake joint or independent investigations in the above areas of environmental problems in collaboration with one of the Center's principal investigators. Principal investigators are:

• Dr. Steve Hamilton (Director), Aquatic Entomology, Insect Systematics

• Dr. Andrew Barrass, Bioacoustics, Animal Communication, and Sound Analysis, Wetlands and Stream Restoration

• Ms. Michelle Rogers, Environmental Science Project Manager

• Dr. Floyd Scott, Herpetology, Ecology

• Dr. C.M. Gienger, Herpetology, Ecology

• Dr. Dwayne Estes, Botany, Plant Systematics

• Dr. Rebecca Johansen, Ichthyology, Fish Systematics and Phylogeography

If your career goals include investigating the land we use and the water we drink, your training can begin with field work in biology at APSU. Austin Peay has access to several natural ecosystems for research in aquatic ecology, aquatic toxicology, ecology, bacteriology, herpetology, ornithology and taxonomy. New projects will expand the research base of The Center of Excellence for Field Biology to encompass regional ecology in LBL and Tennessee.

Assistantships for graduate students and secondary and junior college science teachers are available. Appointments are also available for undergraduate students. Call for more information on eligibility, duties and stipends.