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Zachary J. Loughman

Professor of Biology
Co-Chair Department of Biological Sciences
Co-Biology Graduate Program Coordinator
Director of WLU Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center
​Curator of Living Collections
West Liberty University

Zac is a conservation and field biologist with a broad interest in crayfish conservation. Historically, much of his work has focused on understanding the distributions and conservation status of crayfish species in his home state of West Virginia. Recently, he has expanded his efforts to include active projects across a range of states, from Georgia to Pennsylvania, where he studies species of conservation concern. A significant aspect of his work involves the discovery and description of new species. To date, Zac has described over a dozen species.

On top of juggling his crayfish research and administrative duties, he also runs a second lab at WLU focused on herpetology and herpetoculture. He is the author of the book entitled  "The Natural History and Captive Care of False Water Cobras, Barons Racers, Mussuranas, and Other Xenodontine Snakes"