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Kevin Aviles Rodriguez, Ph.D.'s interest in ecology and evolution was sparked during a college Zoology course that incorporated examples relevant to the local biodiversity of Puerto Rico. Understanding that the island where he grew up was rich in biodiversity fostered an enthusiasm for biological research that ultimately led Aviles Rodriguez to pursue graduate-level degrees in Biology.

Throughout his teaching and mentoring roles, Aviles Rodrigues has sought to follow in the footsteps of his mentor and incorporate relevant and local examples into his courses. He fervently believes that engaging students with the natural laboratories of the local ecosystems results in student-led application of the core themes of biology.

Aviles Rodriguez' research applies ecological and evolutionary methods to evaluate amphibians and reptiles that are impacted by human activity and urbanization. For example, he applies a conservation genetic approach to research the Puerto Rican freshwater turtle. The research aim is to understand how many genetic populations are on the island to support management plans. Moreover, the species is hybridizing with Red Eared Sliders, an invasive freshwater turtle introduced to Puerto Rico in the 1980s. Students interested in amphibians and reptiles, field ecology or population genetics are encouraged to seek undergraduate research opportunities with Aviles Rodriguez.

Education

• University of Massachusetts Boston, Environmental Biology, Ph.D.
• University of Rhode Island, Biological and Environmental Sciences, M.S.

Courses

• BIO1022 - General Biology - Organismal
• BIO1026 - General Biology Laboratory Organismal
• SCI1015 - Introduction to Life Science
• BIO3070 - Evolution