John Iverson, Ph.D.

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About me

I am a biologist who investigates reptile ecology and systematics, particularly turtles and iguanas. Nearly every year since 1978, I have led research teams of students as I conduct continuing research on turtles (in Nebraska) and iguanas (in the Bahamas). This work has led to 38 peer-reviewed published papers with 28 different student co-authors.

My research on turtles and iguanas are my passion beyond teaching. I am deeply involved with a reforestation project on my own land, having planted over 50,000 hardwood trees.

I have always appreciated having students that demand to learn the latest word on whatever biological concept I am teaching.  This has always forced me to keep up with the primary research literature, rather than rely on textbooks that are by default out-of-date.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Florida
• M.S., University of Florida
• B.A., Hastings College

Research projects

Collaborative student research experiences

Earlham students have been involved in my research since 1978, and I have co-authored 38 peer-reviewed published papers involving 28 different students. Several more are in manuscript form and will soon be submitted.

Off-campus study experiences

Nearly every year I lead a May Term to the field in Nebraska (to study turtles) or the Bahamas (to study endangered iguanas).

Scholarly interest

Reptile ecology and systematics, particularly turtles and iguanas.