Jared Wood

Jared Wood, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Associate Professor
(817) 202-6560
7 years

Professor of Zoology, Ecology, and Conservation
Director of the SWAU Dinosaur Museum and Research Center, Dinosaur Science Museum 

Dr. Wood's research interests broadly span the fields of zoology, ecology, conservation biology, and paleontology. Although his primary research focus is on the biology and management of American alligators in Oklahoma, he also provides field opportunities for undergraduates to work with a variety of freshwater and coastal fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

In addition to working with extant fauna, Dr. Wood oversees a dinosaur dig in Wyoming each June. This ongoing research project has produced an average of 2,000 fossils per year, representing over 20 species of dinosaurs and other Cretaceous vertebrates. The fossils are kept at SWAU's Dinosaur Science Museum and Research Center, where undergraduates have the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis.

Community service is also a top priority for Dr. Wood. He and his students have been involved in multiple volunteer projects for local and state parks. Furthermore, Dr. Wood is adamant about the Dinosaur Museum being an accessible resource to the DFW community, especially for children. 

Ph.D. Conservation Biology and Genetics, University of Louisville, 2016
B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation, Summa Cum Laude, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2010 

  • Snyder K, McLain M, Wood J, Chadwick A. 2020. Over 13,000 elements from a single bonebed help elucidate disarticulation and transport of an Edmontosaurus thanatocoenosis. PLOS One
  • Wood JP, Dowell SA, Campbell TS, Page RB. 2018. Introduction history and population genetics of the Argentine black-and-white tegu (Salvator merianae) in Florida. Genetica; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-018-0040-0
  • Wood JP, Patton TM, Page RB. 2017. Movement and overwinter survival of released captive-raised alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in southeastern Oklahoma, USA. Herpetological Review; 48(2): 293–299
  • Wood JP, Dowell SA, Campbell TS, Page RB. 2016. Insights into the introduction history and population genetic dynamics of the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) in Florida. Journal of Heredity; 107(4): 349-362.
  • Dowell SA, Wood JP, Campbell TS, Kolokotronis SO, Hekkala ER. 2016. Combining genetic and distributional approaches to sourcing introduced species: a case study on the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) in Florida. Royal Science Open Society; 3: 150619
  • Wood JP, Campbell TS, Page RB. 2016. Characterization of 17 novel microsatellite loci in the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) via 454 pyrosequencing. Amphibia-Reptilia; 37:121-125
  • Wood JP, Campbell TS, Page RB. 2015. Characterization of 14 novel microsatellite loci in the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) via 454 pyrosequencing. Amphibia-Reptilia; 36: 444-449
  • Patton TM, JP Wood. 2010. A herpetofaunal survey of the Boehler Seeps Preserve, with reports of new county records and recommendations for conservation efforts. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Scienc;e 89:67

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles 
Southwestern Association of Naturalists
Texas Academy of Science
Society of Vertebrate Paleontologists

Southwestern Adventist University Faculty of the Year Award, 2018-2019
University of Louisville Faculty Favorite Award, 2011, 2012, 2013
William Clay Conservation Award, University of Louisville, 2012

When Dr. Wood isn't working with students, animals, or dinosaurs, he loves spending time with his wife, Heather, son, Drake, and daughter, Dina. He also enjoys playing baseball, weightlifting, and playing and collecting guitars. His two dogs and two parrots are also very demanding of his free time.