Justin A. Compton
Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences & Studies, Environmental Sciences & Studies Department Chair
Biography
Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences & Studies Justin Compton brings energy, curiosity and a deep love of the natural world to everything he does. His teaching and research focus on how wildlife and ecosystems interact and how we can protect biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. From exploring the impacts of habitat loss and climate change to studying how people and wildlife can coexist, he is passionate about helping students see the real-world relevance of environmental science and the difference they can make.
Students know him for his welcoming, hands-on approach to learning. His classes blend strong scientific foundations with fieldwork, research opportunities and plenty of time outside observing and studying nature. One of the most transformative experiences he offers is leading students to Costa Rica for immersive wildlife research. Working together in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth is consistently described as life-changing for students and for Compton alike, building skills, confidence, and a shared sense of wonder and responsibility for the planet. Through mentorship, field experiences and collaborative research, he strives to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students to discover their passions and become thoughtful environmental leaders.
Education
- Ph.D., Wildlife Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
- M.S., Ecology, Michigan Technological University
- B.S., Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis
Research Interests
- Wildlife Ecology
- Mammalian Population Estimation
- Human and Wildlife Interactions
- Ecology and Behavior of Carnivores
Courses Taught
- Wildlife Management and Conservation
- Conservation Biology
- Tropical Field Research
- Environmental Senior Seminar
- Environmental Science Research Methods
- Principles of Environmental Science
Selected Publications & Honors
- Varholak, A., M. Bower, T. Dockendorff, and Compton, J.A. Examining Avian Species Diversity In Various Forest Types at La Selva Biological Research Station. International Journal of Natural Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends (June 2025)
- Rooney, B.; …Compton, J.A.; …and McShea, W. SNAPSHOT USA 2019–2023: The first five years of data from a coordinated camera trap survey of the United States. Global Ecology and Biogeography (January 2025)
- Kays, R.;….Compton, J.A.;….Parsons, A. Climate, food, and humans predict mammal communities in the United States. Diversity and Distributions (July 2024)
- Burton, A.C; ....Compton, J.A.;…and Kays, R. Mammal responses to global changes in human activity vary by trophic group and landscape. Nature Ecology and Evolution (March 2024)
- Shamon, H.;….Compton, J.A.;…and McShea, W. SNAPSHOT USA 2021: A third coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States. Ecology (November 2023)
- Rega-Brodsky, C. C.,…Compton, J.A., and Allen, M. L. Mammalian functional diversity and trait responses to anthropogenic and environmental factors across the contiguous USA. Journal of Urban Ecosystems (March 2023)
- Hubbard, T., Cove, M.V., Green, A.M., Lannarilli, F., Allen, M.L., LaRose, S.H., Nagy, C., Compton, J.A., and Lafferty D.J.R. Human presence drives bobcat interactions among the U.S. carnivore guild. Biodiversity and Conservation (June 2022)
- Kays, R.; ....Compton, J.A.;…and McShea, W. SNAPSHOT USA 2020: A second coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States during the COVID19 Pandemic. Ecology (June 2022)
- Cove, M.; ....Compton, J.A.;…and McShea, W. SNAPSHOT USA 2019: The first coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States. Ecology (April 2021)
- Certified Wildlife Biologist - The Wildlife Society
- Certified Senior Ecologist - The Ecological Society of America