Stephens Lab
Associate Professor, Biology
Oklahoma State University
Our research uses macroecological and phylogenetic approaches to address questions that lie at the interface of ecology and evolutionary biology. Our primary focus is on large-scale infectious disease dynamics and patterns of biodiversity. The tools we use are large datasets, machine learning, and other computational methods.
Highlighted
Publications
Sundaram, M., N. L. Gottdenker, and P. R. Stephens. 2025. Where is the elusive primary ebolavirus reservoir and how do we find it? BioScience 75: biaf050. link
Stephens, P R., M. J. Farrell, T. J. Davies, J. L. Gittleman, S. Meiri, M. O. Moreira, U. Roll, and J. J. Wiens. 2025. Global Diversity patterns are explained by diversification rates and dispersal at ancient, not shallow, timescales. Systematic Biology 74: syaf018. link
Pfenning-Butterworth, A., L. B. Buckley, J. M. Drake, J. E. Farner, M. J. Farrell, A-L. M. Gehman, E. A. Mordecai, P. R. Stephens, John L. Gittleman, and T. J. Davies. 2024. Interconnecting global threats: climate change, biodiversity loss, and infectious diseases. Lancet Planetary Health 8: E270-E283. link