Dr. Chris Walser Biology Professor Smith-Stanford Chair

Professor Walser has been at The College of Idaho since 2000. He teaches Stream Ecology (BIO 317); Ecology, Evolution and Diversity (BIO 203); Ichthyology (BIO 319); Introduction to GIS (ENV 350); Coastal Marine Ecology (BIO 326) in south Florida; and Field Biology (BIO 346) in Belize or Australia. Dr. Walser also teaches the biology senior capstone course which examines, in part, how scientists can become more proficient at communicating the results of their research to the general public. The focus of his student-based research program is to better understand the impacts of human disturbances (land-use change, invasive fishes) on native stream fish assemblages.  Since 2013, he and his students have been investigating the genetics and movement of redband trout in Dry Creek, a small tributary of the Boise River near Boise, Idaho.

Recently, Professor Walser and students joined organizers and researchers from The City of Boise, Boise State University, and The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley to assess stream conditions at dozens of trail crossings within the Dry Creek watershed.   In 2015, Professor Walser’s student, Sarah Walsh, received a $1,500 grant from the Northwest Scientific Association to study the population genetics of Dry Creek redband trout.  Professor Walser and former student, Camrin Braun, published a paper on the distribution and diet of invasive largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the lower Boise River. Their research appeared in a 2011 edition of Western North American Naturalist

Dr. Walser is very active in leading off-campus courses in field biology. To date, Professor Walser has taken College of Idaho students to south Florida (2009, 2011, 2015) and Australia (2002, 2006, 2010, 2013), with future courses planned for Belize (Winter Term 2016) and central Idaho (Summer 2016).  He is a very strong advocate of experiential learning and emphasizes this teaching approach in all of his courses.

What Professor Walser enjoys the most about teaching at The College of Idaho is getting students excited about field biology. He also appreciates the small-class sizes which allow him to provide unique learning opportunities (e.g., conducting original field biology research in tropical locales; wildlife film-making) for his students.

The College of Idaho, Professor of Biology (2000-)

Rocky Mountain College, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (1999-2000)

Salt Lake Community College, Adjunct Instructor of Biology (1996-1999)

Utah State University, Adjunct Instructor of Fisheries and Wildlife Biology (1997)

Brigham Young University, Postdoctoral Research Associate (1997-1999)