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Erik D. Lindquist, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor of Biology and Environmental Science; Chair, Department of Biological Sciences

Interest and areas of expertise

Conservation biology of Neotropical amphibians, tropical cloud forest canopy ecology, woodland vernal pool ecosystems, phylogeography,  reconciliation ecology, and sustainable community development.

Education
  • 1991, B.S. – Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
  • 1995, M.S. – Zoology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
  • 1997, Ph.D. – Zoology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
Classes I teach
  • Tropical Biology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Ornithology
  • Herpetology
  • Environmental Issues and Sustainable Solutions
  • Cultures and Ecosystems of Malaysia and Borneo
Profile and research

Dr. Lindquist’s Ph.D. research at the Ohio State University explored communication among "earless" harlequin frogs. He has devoted nearly 28 years to the ecology, conservation and management of the Panamanian golden frog and other endangered tropical amphibians. Additionally, he has been involved in researching hollow microfiber filters for use in household potable water systems in Bolivia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Fiji. Lindquist has extensive experience in research, teaching, and service in Latin America and Malaysia. He believes that excellence in science instruction must move beyond the passive learning environment into a learning space that is visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. He has taught 535 students in 17 countries in over 50 academic and outreach travel experiences since 1999. As a professor, he strives to make every effort to encourage students to become introspective by examining their lives, their beliefs, and their world, and in this process, he hopes that students develop character and a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment. He and his wife Molly have four children, five grandchildren and extensively travel around the world. The Lindquist also advocates for Food for the Hungry, a faith-based international relief and development organization.

Dr. Lindquist was featured in an interview with Sir David Attenborough in the BBC documentary series, Life in Cold Blood. His work on visual signaling behavior in the Panamanian Golden Frog was a highlighted piece in the second episode, “Land Invaders.”

Recently, he served as a Fulbright Specialist to Malaysia where he focused on biodiversity and the environment.

Research

Results from some of my studies in behavioral ecology and natural history of the Panamanian golden frog and other harlequin toads have encouraged me to delve into issues surrounding aposematic coloration in these amphibians. As a concerned biologist, I have become active in endangered species conservation and population recovery by organizing and co-directing Proyecto Rana Dorada (http://www.ranadorada.org/), a multi-institutional species survival initiative for the endangered golden frog, Atelopus zeteki.

Likewise, I have studied biodiversity modeling and community ecology in woodland vernal pools in Southern Pennsylvania, Bd fungal disease in amphibians, 3D spatial ecology in Neotropical canopy frogs, persistent pesticide presence in salamander communities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and phylogeography and evolutionary biology in harlequin toads.

Online profile links
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