Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University.

Founded in 2003, EEOB brought together under one roof faculty and students with similar interests to work together on important questions in ecology and evolution, using a wide range of approaches and technologies, including fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computational analyses. 

EEOB has many active research programs and opportunities for student interest in conservation biology, ecological and evolutionary genomics, population, community, and ecosystem ecology, quantitative genetics, and other traditional organismal disciplines such as taxonomy.  The 28 faculty, 13 post-doctoral research associates and staff, and 50 graduate students are housed in Bessey Hall, where the hallways are lined with research displays highlighting, for example, the evolution of the eye in mollusks, sex determination in turtles, the genetic make-up of sponges, the restoration of grasslands, and the great diversity of tropical bamboo species. 

Faculty in EEOB are linked through students and research programs to many other departments within the life sciences, as well as to supporting disciplines in the physical and computational sciences.  The diverse knowledge of the EEOB faculty provides unique opportunities for undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Genetics, and Environmental Science, to whom we offer a rich and cutting-edge curriculum.

If you have any questions about programs or opportunities in EEOB, please contact us at 515-294-0133.  We look forward to serving you.

Welcome to EEOB

Clint Kelly

Dr. Kelly's research uses an empirical approach to examine a broad set of topics in behavioural and evolutionary ecology. He is particularly interested in understanding the role of sexual selection in the evolution of mating systems and strategies. He employs a variety of techniques and procedures in the field and in the laboratory to address research questions, including: molecular genotyping, immunological assay techniques, sound analysis, radiotelemetry, artificial selection experiments, breeding designs, phylogenetic comparative studies, geometric morphometrics, sperm viability assessment in addition to meta-analysis.

For more information please visit Dr. Kelly's website.

News & Updates

Skunk River navy lightens the river's load

More than 70 people showed up to volunteer to clean with the Skunk River Navy on Saturday, in a continued effort to remove the refuse from the river. An estimated 46 tons of trash has been pulled out of the Skunk River to date.

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Faculty Position Available

Ecological/Evolutionary Theorist

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University seeks a tenure-track assistant professor developing theory relevant to evolutionary and/or ecological processes.  Please see http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/search.html for additional information.

National Wildlife Magazine features survival of bobcats

The August/Septmeber 2008 issue of National Wildlife magazine includes research findings of EEOB faculty member Dr. Bill Clark.

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Clark named Professor-in-Charge

Effective August 15, Dr. Lynn Clark will take the position of professor-in-charge of the Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration Program.

Warner receives Herpetologist' League Graduate Research Award

Post doctorate Research Associate, Dan Warner, recently received the The Herpetologists' League Graduate
Research Award at the 2008 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists.

Vleck and Colbert named Master Teachers

Dr. Carol Vleck and Dr. Jim Colbert have been named Master Teachers for the 2008-2009 academic year. This award has been created to recognize teachers who have a reputation for using unique methods to enhance student learning.

van der Valk elected Fellow of SWS

Fellows are active members of the Society of Wetland Scientists who have been nominated by other active members to receive the honor, recommended by the Fellows Committee, and elected by the SWS Board of Directors.  Fellow is the highest recognition of membership bestowed by the Society. 

van der Valk to receive 2008 SWS Merit Award

EEOB faculty member, Arnold van der Valk will receive the 2008 SWS Merit Award at the Society of Wetland Scientists' annual meeting. This award is given in recognition of an outstanding piece of original research,
achievement, or contribution to wetland science.

Colbert receives Iowa science teaching award

Jim Colbert, associate professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology has received the 2008 Distinguised Iowa Science Teaching Award from the Iowa Academy of Science.

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