Biological Sciences Department Hires Expert on Reptiles

Photo Submitted

J.D. Willson with one of his research subjects.

This fall, John “J.D.” Willson will join the department of biological sciences in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences as an associate professor. Willson has spent years researching ways to conserve reptiles and amphibians and examining the roles they play as predator and prey in various ecosystems. His most recent research involves one of America’s most recent and concerning invasive species, Burmese pythons.

“The proliferation of Burmese pythons in the Everglades is a unique and alarming case of an ecosystem undergoing rapid and catastrophic shifts,” said Steven Beaupre, professor of biology and chair of the department. “Dr. Willson’s research and knowledge of this phenomenon are among the most thorough in the country.”

Willson has co-authored a book on the growing invasive population of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades. He has also written several book chapters and more than 30 peer-reviewed articles covering a variety of subjects from landscape ecology to climate change.

“For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by reptiles and amphibians,” said Willson. “I have found that they provide excellent opportunities to answer some of the most important questions in modern ecology and conservation biology. I’m thrilled to join the University of Arkansas faculty and be part of the exciting research happening in the department.”

Willson has presented his research at conferences across North America, including the Ecological Society of America and the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. He was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and has received several research and travel grants that have allowed him to expand and continue his award-winning research.

Willson serves as a section editor for the Herpetological Review and the information manager for Partners in Reptile and Amphibian Conservation.

Willson earned a bachelor of science in biology from Davidson College (2002) and a doctorate in ecology from the University of Georgia (2009) while working at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Willson also photographs many of his research subjects and has had numerous journal covers and other published photographs.