Dr. William J. Edwards is Professor of Biology and Director of the Environmental Studies Program and the 2024-25 academic year will be his first as the Department of Athletics Faculty Representitive.Â
Dr. Edwards came to Niagara University in 2002 from The Ohio State University where he obtained his B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish and Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology.  At Ohio State, he acquired his interest in the interactions of aquatic ecology and environmental fluid dynamics. He continues this research on large lakes including Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and incorporates the roles of invasive species in ecosystem. Â
His research is regularly published in refereed journals and has won awards including IAGLR’s Highly Cited Author Award. He incorporates undergraduates into his research program at all levels, from grant writing, field science, lab and data analysis and then presentation and publication as part of training future environmental scientists.
His current research explores the role of zebra mussel beds in altering bottom roughness and nutrient dynamics in Lake Erie.  Dr. Edwards also developed Niagara’s Field Ecology program. This program emphasizes field experiences in environmental science combined with scientific communication to non-scientists through field trips to the tropics and on ships on the great lakes.
His other teaching interests include terrestrial and aquatic ecology (streams and lakes), theoretical conservation ecology, and other classes within the Environmental Studies Program. Â
He lives in Lewiston near the Niagara River with his wife Coleen, co-instructor of the Field Ecology program, and their three children. His outside interests include National Park exploration, kayaking, and Olympic style wrestling. He is the Lew-Port Wrestling Club head coach and assistant coach at Lew-Port High School and Niagara Wrestling Club.
