College of Science
Doctoral students focus on research that challenges or improves current theory and knowledge in ecological and evolutionary science and has the capacity to be relevant to society. Graduates will leave having conducted meaningful and diverse research in UTEP's local field labs, such as the Indio Mountains Research Station, and global field labs that extend as far as the rainforests of Africa and the Arctic tundra.
Faculty studies range from molecules to global change, in terrestrial and aquatic systems around the world
Research strengths include studies of Arctic biology, herpetology, wetland ecology, conservation and Chihuahuan Desert systems
Conduct research in one of two major themes of interest: biodiversity or global change ecology
Daniel Hughes’ love of wildlife brought him to UTEP as a doctoral student, where he had the opportunity to travel to Africa multiple times to collect and analyze reptile and amphibian species. Daniel chose UTEP because of professors such as Eli Greenbaum, a National Geographic explorer, who were open to his ideas and afforded him opportunities to travel the world. Daniel’s work has resulted in the discovery of three new species of forest chameleons. Now, as an assistant professor of biology at Coe College, he provides the same opportunities for his students.
Alumni help meet the demand for more trained professionals in ecology and evolutionary biology who can fill jobs as science researchers, educators, and in government positions at agencies such as the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.