Deer skull, owl, microscopes, and books sit in a grassy area.

The Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources is home to a vibrant and growing community of researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge of the living world. Their work explores the connections between organisms, their environments, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our planet. With a commitment to discovery, innovation, and conservation, our faculty leads research that deepens understanding and informs solutions for a sustainable future.

Explore the profiles below to learn more about our faculty members, their areas of expertise, and the research they are leading.

Smiling man with dark hair and a goatee.

Hemanta Kafley, Ph.D.

Spatial Ecology, Carnivore Conservation, & Biodiversity Management

Smiling person in a blue shirt against a dark background.

Heather Mathewson, Ph.D.

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation

A man in a red shirt smiles in front of a grey backdrop.

James Muir, Ph.D.

Grassland Ecology

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Darrel Murray, Ph.D.

Plant Ecology

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Crissa Nugen, Ed.D.

Horticulture

A man in a bucket hat sits on a hillside.

T. Wayne Schwertner, Ph.D.

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Biology