My teaching interests include general biology, physiology, ecology, and field biology.  I teach courses in introductory biology, ecology, herpetology, and physiology, as well graduate courses in research design and analysis. 

I am especially committed to bridging the gap between the classroom and field by offering hands-on field courses and research opportunities for students in such inspirational places as the Pacific Northwest, the Sonoran Desert, and Mexico. Each year I take several field trips with students to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, and to biomes of the Pacific Northwest. 

Occasionally my wife, Dr. Kristina Ernest, and I lead a winter quarter study abroad program to Mexico.  Students in that program live with host families, study intensive Spanish, take upper division biology courses from us, and conduct intensive field research projects at a world-renowned field station nestled in one of the finest tropical dry forests remaining in the neotropics. 

I also enjoy working with motivated undergraduates interesting in conducting ecological research with me. 

Couses:

General Ecology

Desert Ecology/Regional Natural History

Herpetology

Introductory Biology

Human Ecology

Summer Field Courses

Graduate Research Methods and Techniques

Research

My research focuses on physiological ecology and behavior of reptiles and amphibians--especially rattlesnakes and Gila monsters.  I am particularly interested in physiological and behavioral mechanisms that underpin habitat use and foraging ecology.  In addition, I am interested in how metabolic rates vary among ectotherms, and the role of temperature and water in habitat use and activity patterns of desert ectotherms.

With my students here in central Washington, I am analyzing characteristics of several winter dens used by the Northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis oreganus).  In addition,  I am exploring patterns of variation in energetics, growth rates and demographics among the snake populations inhabiting those dens and using radiotelemetry to monitor activity patterns, thermal biology, and behavior. 

In the southwest and Latin America, I continue to work with Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards, primarily on projects related to conservation and public outreach. In St. George, Utah, I am working with resource management agencies and public schools in efforts to prevent Gila Monster populations from disappearing in the wake of rapid recreational and residential development.

My graduate students have worked on ecology of cavity nesting birds, marmots, gopher snakes, owls, frogs, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters.

For more information, see this note for prospective graduate students...