Dr. Mark Peaden

Name: Dr. Mark Peaden

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 918-343-7701

Title: Assistant Professor

Department: Biology

Office: Loshbaugh Hall, Room 202

Dr. Mark PeadenI am driven by my passion for wildlife conservation and preservation of biodiversity, particularly by factors that affect the distribution, abundance, and persistence of wildlife populations.

My past research experiences include working with a broad range of wildlife, including bats, avian species, mesocarnivores, reptiles, amphibians, and fish communities. While each taxonomic group posed their own unique conservation and research challenges, they have allowed me to focus my current, and future research on answering questions to inform conservation managers.

Specifically, my applied research focuses on the ways in which wildlife respond to a world that is rapidly changing due to anthropogenic factors.

Education

Ph.D., D. Ecology
University of California, Davis
Dissertation: Habitat use and behavior of Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii): Outpacing development to achieve long standing conservation goals for a federally threatened species.

B.S., Biology – Specialization in Wildlife Conservation
Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

Grants and Contracts

  • Travel Grant, Student Advisee. 2018. Awarded by Desert Tortoise Council. McGovern, P.A. and Peaden, J.M. $500.
  • Research Grant. 2017-2020. PI: Todd B.D. Mitigating Impacts of Solar Energy on Desert Tortoises: Indoor Rearing and Release of Head-started Desert Tortoises. California Energy Commission. $493,089. Co-PIs: Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M.
  • Research Grant. 2016-2018. PI: Todd B.D. Evaluate/Model Impacts of Roads, Washes, and Fences to Desert Tortoise Population Viability. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. $199,999. Co-PI: Peaden, J.M.
  • Travel Grant. 2015. Awarded by Turtle Survival Alliance. Peaden, J.M. $492.
  • Graduate Student Travel Grant. 2014. Awarded by University of California, Davis. Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Peaden, J.M. $992.

Refereed Publications

  • Nowakowski, A.J., Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., and Todd, B.D. Thermal performance curves based on field movements reveal context-dependence of thermal traits in a desert ectotherm. Submitted to: Landscape Ecology.
  • McGovern, P.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Todd, B.A., Moore, C.T., Peaden, J.M., Hepinstall-Cymerman, J., Daly, J.A., and Tuberville, T.D. Comparing head-starting techniques for optimal rearing of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Submitted to: Herpetological Conservation and Biology.
  • McGovern, P.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Todd, B.A., Moore, C.T., Peaden, J.M., Hepinstall-Cymerman, J., Daly, J.A., and Tuberville, T.D. The effect of size on post-release survival of head-started Mohave Desert Tortoises. Submitted to: Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Sollmann, R., Nafus, M.G., Peaden, J.M., Daly, J.A., Steele, M.A., and Todd, B.D. (2019). Effects of short-term outdoor head-starting on growth and survival in the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 14(1): 171-184.
  • Daly, J.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Todd T.D., Moore, C.T., Peaden, J.M. and Tuberville, T.D. (2019). Survival and movements of head-started Mojave Desert Tortoises. Journal of Wildlife Management. 83(8): 1700-1710.
  • Daly, J.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Todd, B.D., Moore, C.T., Peaden, J.M., and Tuberville, T.D. (2018). Comparing growth and body condition of indoor-reared, outdoor-reared, and free-ranging juvenile Mojave desert tortoises. Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 13(3): 622-633.
  • Peaden, J.M., Nowakowski, A.J., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., and Todd, B.D. (2017). Effects of roads and roadside fencing on movements, space use, and carapace temperatures of a threatened tortoise. Biological Conservation. 214, 13-22.
  • Todd, B.D., Halstead, B.J., Chiquoine, L.P., Peaden, J.M., Buhlmann, K.A., Tuberville, T.D.,and Nafus, M.G. (2016). Habitat selection by juvenile Mojave desert tortoises. Journal of Wildlife Management. 80, 720-728.
  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Nafus, M.G., and Todd, B.D. (2015). Delimitating road-effect zones for threatened species: implications for mitigating fencing. Wildlife Research. 42, 650-659.

Additional Contributions

  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., and Todd, B.D. Modeling the Impacts of Roads and Mitigation Efforts on the Viability of Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Populations. Prospective Journal: Landscape Ecology. In Prep. To be submitted 2020.
  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., and Todd, B.D. Previous nesting, climate, and rainfall: How each impacts nesting success of Mojave desert tortoises. Prospective Journal: Journal of Wildlife Management. In Prep. To be submitted 2020.
  • Peaden, J.M. and Nagy, K. Conservation tools highlight: Giving Desert Tortoises a Head-start in Life. Desert Tortoise Council Newsletter. 2018.
  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Meyers, J., and Todd, B.D. A novel tool set for determining the thermal biology of turtle and tortoise species. Prospective Journal: Chelonian Conservation and Biology. In Prep.

Research Reports

  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D. McGovern, P.A., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A. 2019. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2018 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA. 
  • Peaden, J.M., Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A. 2018. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2017 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M., Daly, J.A., Kern, M.M. 2017. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2016 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M., Daly, J.A., Kern, M.M. 2016. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2015 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.
  • Buhlmann, K.A., Tuberville, T.D., Nafus, M.G., Peaden, J.M., Daly, J.A., Chiquoine, L., Todd, B.D. 2015. Juvenile Desert Tortoise Performance in Outdoor Protective Enclosures with Comparative Survivorship, Growth, and Movements of Field-released Juveniles: Preliminary Findings from Research Conducted 2011-2014 at the Ivanpah Desert Tortoise Research Facility (IDTRF), Mojave National Preserve, California. Report to the California Energy Commission. Sacramento, CA.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M., Nafus, M.G., Chiquoine, L., Daly, J.A. 2015. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2014 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M., Nafus, M.G. 2014. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2013 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.
  • Tuberville, T.D., Todd, B.D., Buhlmann, K.A., Peaden, J.M., Nafus, M.G. 2013. Desert Tortoise Research, Mojave National Preserve, California: 2012 Activities and Results. Report to Desert Tortoise Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.

Professional Employment

2017-Present, Assistant Professor
Department of Biology, Rogers State University

  • Develop new upper level courses such as Biological Statistics, Herpetology, Fire Ecology, and Field Techniques.
  • Refine current courses such as Zoology, Biology, and Ornithology.
  • Mentor undergraduate capstone research projects.
  • Design, implement, and analyze collaborative ecological studies with other researchers.

2017-Present, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Dept. of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis

  • Design, implement, and analyze collaborative ecological studies with other researchers.
  • Lead on site projects for Ivanpah Desert Tortoise Research Facility with the Mojave National Preserve.
  • Present project findings in federal reports, conferences, and with management agencies.
  • Mentor graduate students from UC Davis and University of Georgia taking part in research.

2017-2019, Board Member, Desert Tortoise Council
Desert Tortoise Council

  • Procure funds from grant writing.
  • Assist with preparation of comments on future habitat disturbance within the range of the desert tortoise.
  • Support management of council funds, conference preparation and acquiring keynote speakers
  • Represent the council with outreach via social media, conference presentations, and public outreach.

2013-2016, Graduate Research Assistant
Dept. of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis

  • Manage research station in Mojave National Preserve
  • Assist with public outreach events ranging from elementary student tours, conservation activists, and government representatives
  • Present project findings at national conference levels
  • Assist with long term data management of ongoing research

2012-2013, Junior Specialist
Dept. of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, UC Davis

  • Support PhD student level research.
  • Initiate future research projects.

2010-2013, Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist
Fort Irwin, California and Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

  • Conduct surveys and lead field crews for conservation compliance on military base and public lands.
  • Prepare, manage, and analyze habitat usage.

2010-2011, Researcher
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Chicago, IL

  • Perform VHF and GPS tracking of mesocarnivores in urban systems.
  • Analyze animal movement, habitat use, and home range.
  • Direct and perform necropsies on study species.
  • Educate the public on various wildlife issues.

2009-2010, Technician
Bat Conservation and Management, Eastern US

  • Directed crew for mist netting, harp traps, and AnaBat program.
  • Capture, radio tag, and properly identify a wide variety of bat species, including Indiana Bats and species of special concern for habitat use, roosting, and foraging areas.

2008-2009, Technician
George Miksch Sutton Avian Center, Bartlesville, OK

  • Conduct independent and team field research locating and identifying avian species, including genetic sampling and species of special concern.
  • Assist with analysis of historical ranges and current ranges for multiple grouse species.

2006-2010, Volunteer
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Tulsa, OK

  • Establish an ongoing GIS database for historic scientific observations of federally protected species.
  • Oversaw wildlife surveys of protected species including Paddlefish, Black Capped Vireo, raptor, and bat species.
  • Conduct independent and team field research locating and identifying avian species, including genetic sampling and species of special concern.
  • Refined analysis of historical ranges and current ranges for multiple grouse species.

Teaching Experience

  • 2019-Present, Assistant Professor
    Rogers State University
  • 2018, Lecturer, Field Research in Wildlife Ecology
    University of California, Davis
  • 2018, Seminar Lecturer, Environmental Policy and Wildlife Ethics
    Chapman University
  • 2018, Seminar Lecturer, Environmental Policy and Applied Conservation
    University of California, Davis
  • 2016-2017, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Herpetology
    University of California, Davis
  • 2008-2009, Sciences and Mathematics Academic Tutor, Athletic Department
    Rogers State University

Student Advisees

  • Megan Jones: Undergraduate Student. Rogers State University. Project title: Regeneration of Dendrocoelum americana and implications for stem cell research.
  • Carmen Candal: Graduate Student. University of Georgia. Project title to be determined. 2019-Present.
  • Pearson McGovern:Graduate Student. University of Georgia. Project title: Novel techniques for population augmentation of a federally protected reptile. 2017-Present
  • Max Kern:Graduate Student. University of California, Davis. Project title: Personality in head-started Desert Tortoises: A potentially usefully tool for the conservation of a threatened species. 2015-2017
  • Jacob Daly:Graduate Student. University of Georgia. Project title: Indoor-rearing as a component of head-starting the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). 2014-2016

Professional Service

  • Committee, Degree Plan Update. Committee member to update university degree plans in order to better prepare students for current and future careers. 2020
  • Vice Chair, Oklahoma Academy of Science. Vice chair for Applied Ecology and Conservation of Oklahoma species or researchers from Oklahoma. 2019-Present
  • Grant Committee, Endangered Species Specialist, Holohil Inc. Grant reviewer for over 300 applications per year. Primary reviewer for mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 2017-Present
  • Scientist/Mentor, Letters to Pre-Scientists. Mentor and letter writer for elementary and middle school students interested in science. 2017-Present
  • President, Ecology Graduate Student Association.UC Davis, Graduate Group in Ecology. Graduate student representative to university and faculty committee. 2014-2015
  • Member, Graduate Admissions Committee. UC Davis, Graduate Group in Ecology. Graduate student representative assisting with reviewing of potential graduate students. 2014-2017

Journal Refereeing

  • Biological Conservation
  • Biology Letters
  • Wildlife Research
  • Herpetological Conservation and Biology
  • Herpetological Review
  • Journal of Wildlife Management

Current Professional Memberships

Desert Tortoise Council, Ecological Society of America, Herpetologists’ League, Society for Conservation Biology, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, The Wildlife Society, Oklahoma Academy of Science.

Invited Seminars

  • 2019 Research I. Rogers State University. “Statistics for beginning research”.
  • 2019 Research II. Rogers State University. “Utilizing statistics to tell your biological story”.
  • 2015 Turtle Survival Alliance. 13th Annual Symposium. Tucson, AZ. 2015. “GPS vs. VHF: Tradeoffs for applied conservation research. Which tool is best for your research?”
  • 2014 Whitman College. Semester in the West. “Translating tales from the field to the public”.
  • 2012 Rogers State University. Conservation Course. “Turning your education into a career”.
  • 2012 Whitman College. Semester in the West. “Threatened species and renewable energy, how do we mitigate the effects of habitat loss?”

Oral Papers and Poster Sessions

  • 2019 Oklahoma Academy of Science. 108th Technical Meeting. Paper: Impacts of Roads and Mitigation Efforts on the Viability of Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Lead author.
  • 2019 Desert Tortoise Council. 44th Annual Symposium. Tucson, AZ. Paper: Modeling the impacts of roads and mitigation measures on the viability of desert tortoise populations. Lead author.
  • 2019 Desert Tortoise Council. 44th Annual Symposium. Tucson, AZ. Paper: Post-release movement and survival until dormancy of head-started Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). Coauthor.
  • 2018 Desert Tortoise Council. 43rd Annual Symposium. Las Vegas, NV. Paper: Update on desert tortoise head-starting studies at the Mojave National Preserve. Lead author.
  • 2018 Warnell Graduate Student Symposium. Athens, GA. Poster: Changing the survival formula of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) through head-starting. Coauthor.
  • 2018 Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Annual Meeting. Poster: Changing the survival formula of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) through head-starting. Coauthor.
  • 2017 Desert Tortoise Council. Las Vegas, NV. Paper: Providing context for the benefits of roadside mitigation fencing in recovering and protecting desert tortoise populations. Coauthor.
  • 2016 Desert Tortoise Council. 41st Annual Symposium. Las Vegas, NV. Paper: Evaluating Indoor-rearing as a component of head-starting the Mojave desert tortoise: Methods and Preliminary Results. Coauthor. 
  • 2014 Turtle Survival Alliance. 12th Annual Symposium. Orlando, FL. Paper: Quantifying road effect zones for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) to estimate benefits of mitigation and habitat protection. Lead author.

Technical Skills

  • Amphibian and Reptile inventory and monitoring.
  • Avian capture, processing, identification, and genetic sampling.
  • Mammal sedation (for safe processing and data collections).
  • GPS data collection and processing techniques.
  • Mark-recapture (capture-recapture) techniques and modeling
  • Mammal trapping, small and large.
  • Habitat modeling.
  • ArcGIS, QGIS, and Geospatial Modeling Environment.
  • R Programming and Statistical Programming.
  • Database management.
  • Endnote and Reference Manager.
  • Web Design.
  • Digital Photography and use of Adobe Photoshop.
  • PADI Open Water SCUBA certified.
  • Field vehicle maintenance.
  • Small watercraft operation.