Emily Taylor

Professor | Biological Sciences Department

Director, Physiological Ecology of Reptiles Lab (PERL) 

Owner, Central Coast Snake Services

Areas of Expertise

Reptiles and Amphibians

Rattlesnakes

Contact Information

Email

Website

Twitter | Instagram

Biography

Emily Taylor is a professor in the Biological Sciences Department and director of the Physiological Ecology of Reptiles Lab (PERL), where students study the ecology, physiology and behavior of free-ranging reptiles in Central and Southern California. Taylor’s primary research expertise is in the areas of endocrinology (the study of hormones) and reproductive physiology. A Cal Poly faculty member since 2005, Taylor was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award in the 2011-12 academic year. She is also the first woman to receive a prestigious teaching award, the Meritorious Teaching Award in Herpetology, given to teachers in North America who have made significant contributions to herpetological education by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and the Herpetologists' League.

Education

• Ph.D., Arizona State University, Biology
• B.A., University of California Berkeley, English

Research Interests

• Environmental physiology of reptiles including reproductive, endocrine, hydric and thermal physiology

In the News

• “Watch your step! It's rattlesnake season on the Central Coast," KSBY
• “How to Make Your Yard Snake-Unfriendly,” Medium  
• "Rattlesnake Populations Could Explode as a Result of Climate Change," Newsweek
• "Central Coast Researchers Help Launch New "RattleCam" Project," KCLU

Professional Appointments/Certifications

• President, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (2021-23)