Ecology at Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University has a rich history of research and education in ecology. OSU scientists have been actively involved in both theoretical and applied ecology, with experts in the plant, animal, and microbial realms.

The applied aspects of ecology benefit from a strong tradition of agricultural, wildlife, and rangeland research, as might be expected from a land-grant institution. OSU has strengths in community ecology, population ecology, behavioral ecology, landscape ecology, physiological ecology, and ecosystem ecology.

Perhaps OSU’s greatest strength is its location. Stillwater, Oklahoma, is located on the boundary of the crosstimbers (post oak / blackjack oak woodlands) and the tallgrass prairie. Many of these woodlands have never been cut, and most of the prairies have never been plowed. Appropriate field sites are practically outside the back door. Crosstimbers, prairies, wetlands, bottomland forests, lakes, streams, and rivers, as well as a number of agroecosystems are available within Payne County. A few hours' drive will take you to granite outcrops, Ozark forests, limestone hills, salt plains, playa lakes, shinnery shrublands, pine savannas, cove forests, shortgrass prairie, palmetto swamps, pine-juniper woodlands, gypsum outcrops, sand dunes, and old-growth post oak forests.  

Oklahoma’s impressive biodiversity, the expertise of OSU’s faculty, a strong curriculum, and excellent research facilities, all make OSU an ideal location for graduate work in ecology.

OSU Ecology Poster
(print on 2' x 3' paper)

 

Page compiled by Michael Palmer, with help from Eric Maichak, Stacy Patton & numerous OSU ecology faculty. If you have questions or suggestions for improvement, contact Michael Palmer.