Professional Experience/Education

• Assistant Professor of Biology, Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University, 2024–present

• Curator of the Herpetology Collection, Biodiversity Museum, Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University, 2024–present

• Adjunct Instructor of Biology, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 2023–2024

• Postdoctoral Researcher, Evolutionary Ecology, San Diego State University, 2023–2024

• Ph.D., Evolutionary Biology, San Diego State University & University of California, Riverside, 2018–2023

• M.S., Biology, Missouri State University, 2015–2017

• B.S., Fisheries and Wildlife (Conservation Biology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010–2014

 

Dr. Maag’s research program uses modern ecological techniques and methodology to investigate the behavioral and evolutionary ecology of vertebrates, specifically herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and small mammals. One of his study systems includes pitvipers and their prey and predators. He studies these organisms to better understand their behaviors, ecology, evolution, relationship to humans, predator/prey relationships, and evolutionary relationships between the species. Dr. Maag also researches hybridization dynamics, its effect on individual behavior and visa-versa, and reproductive behavior using a rattlesnake hybrid zone in the southwestern U.S.A. To date, Dr. Maag has published seven peer-reviewed research articles and has given over a dozen presentations at scientific and professional conferences.

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In addition to his research, Dr. Maag has participated in numerous outreach events including public lectures, public fairs, and summer camp/grade-school presentations. These events mainly focus on educating adults and children of various ages and demographic groups about the natural history and conservation of local herpetofauna, using live animals as an outreach tool.

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Courses Currently Teaching

• Herpetology (Biol 4432/4432L/5432/5432L)

• Basic and Contemporary Biology II (Biol 1407)

• Process of Scientific Investigation (Biol 6401)

• Introductory Biometry (Biol 4416/4416L/5416/5416L)

• General Ecology Lab (Biol 4210)