Zachary Loughman, Ph.D.
Zoo Science Coordinator
Education
- B.S. Biology, West Liberty State College – 2002
- M.S. Biology, Marshall University – 2005
- Ph.D. Ecology and Evolution; Biology, Indiana State University – 2011
Experience
- Associate Professor of Biology, West Liberty University – 2015 – present
- Assistant Professor of Biology, West Liberty University – 2011 – 2015
- Instructor of Biology, West Liberty University – 2008 – 2011
- Natural History Research Specialist – West Liberty University 2006 – 2008
- Natural History Research Specialist – Oglebay Institute Schrader Environmental Education Center – 2005 – 2006
- Animal Keeper and Zoo Educator – 1999 – 2001
Research and Interest
Dr. Loughman’s current research focuses on the taxonomy, natural history, and conservation of freshwater crayfish. Loughman and his students work hand in hand with both state and federal level conservation agencies to ensure crayfish conservation remains a priority at both the state and regional level.
Since the inception of his laboratory at WLU in 2006, Dr. Loughman and his students have completed crayfish conservation assessments in ten states, sampled over 4,000 streams, rivers, and wetlands, and published over 25 peer-reviewed articles, including descriptions of 5 new species of crayfish. Currently, Loughman is working on the development of captive husbandry techniques for imperiled stream-dwelling Appalachian crayfish, as well as continuing to do crayfish surveys and species descriptions.
Loughman has won several awards for his teaching abilities, including Faculty Merit West Virginia Professor of the Year for 2014. Early in his career, Loughman completed research on amphibians and reptile natural history and conservation, and with the initiation of the Zoo Science Major plans to maintain his crayfish research effort, as well as return to his roots and begin a research program focused on reptile captive husbandry techniques and conservation.
Diana Barber, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Education
- B.A., Dartmouth College; Hanover, NH – 1992
- Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000
Experience
- Assistant Professor of Biology – Jan. 2019 to present
- Education Curator, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden – 2000 to 2018
- Accredited by AZA in March 2002
- Adjunct Faculty, University of Southern Indiana – Sept. 2006 to May 2018
- Teaching Assistant, School of Life Sciences – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – 1993 to 2000
- University Fellow, School of Life Sciences – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – 1992 to 1993
Research and Interest
Coming Soon!
Joe Greathouse, Ph.D.
Director of Oglebay Good Zoo
Education
- B.A. Biology, West Virginia University – 1998
- M.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Management, West Virginia University – 1999
- Ph.D. Animal and Nutrition Sciences, West Virginia University – 2015
Experience
- Assistant Professor of Biology, West Liberty University – 2015 – present
- Director of Wildlife Ecology, the Wilds – 2012 – 2015
- Curator of Animals, Oglebay’s Good Zoo – 2002 – 2012
- Registrar and Manager of Animal Husbandry, Oglebay’s Good Zoo – 2000 – 2002
- Animal Keeper, Oglebay’s Good Zoo – 1999 – 2000
Research and Interest
Dr. Greathouse’s research has focused on topics including the amphibian chytrid fungus, reptile and amphibian conservation with special emphasis on the Eastern hellbender salamander, integration of zoo animal management and wildlife conservation programs, and mid-sized carnivore habitat use of altered landscapes.
Dr. Greathouse and the staff at Oglebay’s Good Zoo were the first in the world to hatch eggs from the Eastern hellbender in a zoo or aquarium, and he was the first to perform a translocation of hellbenders reared in human care to a stream or river where the species had been extirpated in the wild. During his career at the Good Zoo and at the Wilds, each institution was awarded the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Commitment to Conservation Award annually for 5 consecutive years.
Dr. Greathouse has placed a strong emphasis on training future zoo and conservation professionals throughout his career, mentoring over 400 interns over his 16 year zoo career. Many of these students have gone on to careers with wildlife conservation agencies, zoos and aquariums, and to be veterinarians.
Kinsey Skalican Guthrie
Animal Care Coordinator
Education
- B.S. Environmental Biology and Education – West Liberty University
- M.A. Community Education – West Liberty University
Experience
- West Liberty University Zoo Science Animal Care Coordinator – present
- Good Zoo Volunteer Coordinator
- Oglebay Institute Schrader Environmental Education Center
- Field Technician, West Liberty University Astacology Lab
Research and Interest
Kinsey is actively developing and maintaining the West Liberty University animal collection, leading students through class projects, and working on her own thesis for M.S. ZooScience.
Her thesis is focused on New Calendonia Rhacodactylus lechaianus, commonly known as the Leachie gecko.
Kinsey has a giant passion for just about any animal. She loves learning and teaching about them, and she finds camping and hiking as an enjoyable past time. She also crochets when she manages to have time