Erika Nowak

About

Dr. Erika M. Nowak is an Assistant Research Professor in the School of Earth and Sustainability and the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. She also serves as Assistant Curator of Herpetology and has over 25 years of experience researching reptiles and amphibians.

Research Interests

Herpetofauna Conservation

• Ecology, behavior, and conservation of threatened and endangered reptiles
• Science-based management of herpetofauna populations
• Conservation strategies for declining gartersnake species
• Habitat requirements and restoration for reptile species

Endangered Species Research

• Federally threatened narrow-headed gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)
• Northern Mexican gartersnakes (Thamnophis eques megalops)
• Population monitoring and recovery strategies
• Habitat use and distribution studies

Venomous Reptile Ecology

• Effects of translocation on “nuisance” venomous reptiles
• Predatory roles and niche separation of rattlesnakes
• Trophic-level impacts in human-developed areas
• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation

Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring

• Herpetofauna and small vertebrate surveys
• Regional biodiversity assessments
• Long-term population monitoring programs
• Distribution mapping and habitat analysis

Education

• Ph.D. Biology, Northern Arizona University (2009)
• M.S. Biology, Northern Arizona University (1998)
• B.S. Wildlife Biology, Cornell University (1991)

Research Experience

Field Research Leadership

• 25+ years of venomous reptile research experience
• Extensive field surveys across the Southwestern United States
• Telemetric studies of gartersnake behavior and ecology
• Long-term population monitoring programs

Multi-Agency Collaboration

• Research conducted for federal, tribal, state, and non-profit entities
• Partnerships with land management agencies
• Collaborative conservation planning initiatives

Major Research Projects

Gartersnake Conservation Research

• Leader of field surveys for narrow-headed and Mexican gartersnakes
• Telemetric studies across Arizona and New Mexico ranges
• Graduate student supervision on habitat use and distribution studies
• Diet analysis and ecological niche research

Arizona-New Mexico Gartersnake Conservation Working Group

• Active member contributing scientific expertise
• Coordination of multi-state conservation efforts
• Development of species recovery strategies
• Policy and management recommendations

Professional Affiliations

Colorado Plateau Research Station

• Staff researcher contributing to regional biodiversity studies
• Coordinator of herpetological research initiatives

Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes

• Team member focusing on reptile conservation in changing landscapes
• Integration of conservation research with landscape management

Gartersnake Research Project

• Project leader for federally threatened species research
• Coordinator of graduate student research programs
• Public education and outreach initiatives

Research Impact and Recognition

Publications and Media

• Featured in “American Snakes” (2018) for conservation work with rattlesnakes and gartersnakes
• Numerous scientific publications on reptile ecology and conservation
• Expert contributor to conservation policy and management documents

Conservation Applications

• Scientific basis for federal endangered species listing decisions
• Habitat management recommendations for land agencies
• Recovery plan contributions for threatened species

Graduate Student Supervision

Dr. Nowak mentors graduate students studying:

• Habitat use and distribution of Mexican gartersnakes
• Reptile ecology and behavior
• Conservation biology field techniques
• Wildlife management and policy applications

Professional Service

• Member of professional herpetological societies
• Reviewer for conservation biology and ecology journals
• Consultant for wildlife management agencies
• Expert witness for endangered species consultations

Conservation Philosophy

Dr. Nowak’s research emphasizes the integration of rigorous scientific study with practical conservation applications. Her work directly informs management decisions and recovery strategies for some of the Southwest’s most imperiled reptile species.

Current Research Focus

Dr. Nowak continues to lead critical research on:

• Population recovery of federally threatened gartersnakes
• Habitat restoration effectiveness for reptile species
• Climate change impacts on desert herpetofauna
• Human-wildlife conflict resolution strategies