Tracy Rittenhouse

Professor

Education:

• Ph.D. 2007 University of Missouri; Biological Sciences
• M.S. 2002 University of Missouri; Biological Sciences
• B.S. 2000 University of Wisconsin; Wildlife Ecology

Professional Experience:

• 2018 – Present University of Connecticut, Associate Professor
• 2019 – 2023 Director of Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center
• 2011 – 2018 University of Connecticut, Assistant Professor
• 2010 – 2011 University of Wisconsin, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Ecology, Postdoctoral Scholar
• 2008 – 2009 University of Wisconsin, Department of Botany, Postdoctoral Scholar

Research Interests:

My research program tests our understanding of wildlife populations within social-ecological systems. In recent projects, I use my experience studying wildlife in managed forest systems to understand wildlife within forests that are perforated with human housing to create an intermixed system. I study the behavioral, physiological, ecological, and demographic mechanisms that influence vital rates. The premise is that mechanisms must be understood in order to identify effective management strategies. While my research addresses the population persistence (or overabundance) of wildlife resulting from land use and land cover change, climate change, and emerging diseases, I focus on the uniqueness of local places and the research needs of people charged with managing local populations and habitats. For more information about my research,please visit my lab website.