Associate Professor and Chair

Dennis Tarasi, PhD

Teaches introductory biology courses for majors and non-majors, environmental science, and upper level biology courses. His specialty is community ecology and invasive species biology.

Contact Us

Contact Dennis Tarasi for information on Biology

Lewis Hall 202B

563-333-6134

TarasiDennisD@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of North Carolina
MA, Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., Education
BS, Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., Biology

Recent or Noteworthy Publications

Tarasi, D.D. & R.K. Peet. The native-exotic species richness relationship varies with spatial grain of measurement and environmental conditions. Ecology doi: 10.1002/ecy.2028
Hakkenberg, C.R., D.D. Tarasi, & R.K. Peet. Community/Continuum. International Encyclopedia of Geography

Courses Taught

Environmental Science

Application of basic ecological principles to human environment, including current and future energy sources, population growth and control, pollution, and world food supply. For non-science majors.

Biological Literature and Communication

Introduction to literature searching, critical reading and scientific writing in the biological sciences. Required for biology majors.

Principles of Biology

Introduction to the science of biology including genetics, evolution, ecology, and molecular biology, with special reference to human biology. For non-science majors. Lecture and laboratory.

Foundations of Living Systems

An introduction to the theory of evolution, basics of cell chemistry and functioning, and both classical and molecular genetics. Laboratory is inquiry based and concentrates on the development of hypotheses and experimental design. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Climate Change and Human Health

A scientific exploration of the human actions causing global climate change and the current and future impacts of these changes on natural systems, food and water supply, and human health conditions. For non-science majors

Functioning of Living Systems

An introduction to the comparative anatomy and physiology of plants and animals. Laboratory is inquiry based. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Environmental Studies Capstone

Consists of a student-selected/faculty approved fieldwork experience to be completed by graduation. Combines directed internship of field experiences and individualized project. Students are encouraged to pursue an internship and project with a local conservation organization, such as Nahant Marsh, Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, Niabi Zoo or Scott County Parks. A formal public oral presentation of the student's work will culminate the course.

Professional Memberships

Member, Ecological Society of America

Green Iowa Americorps Host Coordinator, Partnering three members with River Action, 2024-Present

Present Nahant Marsh Education Center, Scott County Conservation, and City of Davenport, 2024-Present

Member, Scott County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Steering Committee, Scott County, IA, 2019-Present

SAU Representative, State of Iowa Transfer Biology Major Consortium, 2024

Member, SAU Psychology Faculty Hiring Committee

Member, SAU Director of Student Success Hiring Committee, 2023

SAU Representative, Quad Cities Innovation Summit

Member, SAU Campus Master Plan Steering Committee, 2022-2023

Member, SAU Learning Philosophy and General Education Revision Task Force

Member and SAU Representative, Investing in an Inclusive Quad City Environmental Movement Committee, Walton Family Foundation

Organizer, “Changing Climates: From Rising Seas to Societal Needs” Campus Theme, 2020-2021

Member, SAU Student Leadership Scholarship Work Group

SAU Member, Undergraduate Scholars Conference Planning Committee, 2018-2022

2022-2024 Co-Chair, Faculty Development Committee, SAU

2023-Present Chair, Biology Department

2020-Present Co-Chair, Campus Sustainability Committee

2018-Present Co-Director, Environmental Studies Minor

Professional Services

2018-Present Co-Advisor, Green Life Student Environmental Club

Mississippi River Explorers Organization Team, Environmental Education Grant with Project Renewal through Quad Cities Community Foundation

SAU Leadership Team, Earth Day and Sustainability Fest Campus Celebrations, 2021-Present

Volunteer Coordinator, Explore STEAM Student Event, SAU

Reviewer for Textbooks (incl. Biology Now & Human Health and the Climate Crisis), 2020-Present

Honors and Awards

Partners of Fish and Wildlife, Private Lands Cost-Share Partnership in Prairie Restoration, 2024 - Current

Stoffel Fund for Excellence in Scientific Inquiry, Endowed Research Grant, St. Ambrose University, 2021 - 2024

Undergraduate Summer Research Institute, Endowed Research Grant, St. Ambrose University, 2020 - Current

Invited Presentation and College of Arts and Sciences Representative, St. Ambrose University Board of Trustees Meeting, Student Research Initiatives, 2021