OUR RESEARCH
Anthropogenic stressors (for example, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and pollution) are causing the first human-caused mass extinction event and widespread destruction of ecosystems across the globe. But we can reverse the damage caused by anthropogenic stressors by taking action through research and conservation management. Therefore, our research focuses on understanding the effects of anthropogenic stressors on adaptive life history and behavioral strategies in species of conservation concern. In addition, we study and develop conservation management strategies to mitigate the impacts of these anthropogenic stressors on wildlife and the environment.
Our philosophy is to conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary research in both the field and laboratory that will have direct implications for improving environmental quality and the conservation of species of concern and their natural habitat.
Lab news
2025
- Nolan and Isabella-Rose started an EIU Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society! For more information, reach out to Nolan or Isabella-Rose directly.
- Dr. Elliot Zieman and Dr. Liz were funded by IDNR to start bobcat work in Illinois!
- Dr. Liz collaborated with Drs. Misty McPhee, Rachel Chock, Bruce Schulte and Julie Young to submit a manuscript to the Animal Behaviour journal entitled "Leveraging behavior can improve translocation success in the face of anthropogenic stressors". It's now in press and will be published in the November issue!
- Dr. Liz and Nolan Burdett attended and presented research at the annual Animal Behaviour Society Conference in Baltimore Maryland! Great job Nolan!
- Great job to the wildlife and fisheries students for organizing a successful event at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Spring Fest!
- Great job to Holly Keating and Nolan Burdett who presented their research at the Eastern Illinois 18th Annual Student Research and Creative Activity Conference!
- Welcome new undergraduate students Mikaila Ek and Isabella-Rose Gonzlalez to the team!
- Great job to Nolan Burdett, Holly Keating, and Izabella Sheppard at the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Conference!
- Holly Keating received the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Travel Award! Great job Holly!
- Holly Keating received the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Grant! Great job Holly!
- Nolan Burdett received the EIU Williams Travel Grant! Great job Nolan!
- Welcome new undergraduate student, Jae Lynn Riggleman, to the team!
For more news on our team, see the Lab News site!
Mailing Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920 USA
Email Dr. Elizabeth Peterson (Principal Investigator) at [email protected]
Research laboratory is located in Annex of Life Science Building
Email Dr. Elizabeth Peterson (Principal Investigator) at [email protected]
Research laboratory is located in Annex of Life Science Building