Ron J. Scholefield
Papers
1
Total Citations
113
H-Index
1
About
Ron J. Scholefield is a leading figure in the conservation biology of the Great Lakes, best known for pioneering the application of the sterile-male-release technique (SMRT) to control invasive sea lamprey. His seminal 2003 paper on the subject, cited over 110 times, demonstrated that releasing sterilized male lampreys could effectively suppress wild reproduction without the ecological side effects of chemical lampricides. This work provided a sustainable, species-specific tool for managing one of the Great Lakes’ most destructive parasites. Beyond this breakthrough, Scholefield’s research has advanced our understanding of lamprey physiology, behavior, and population dynamics, directly informing integrated pest management strategies used by agencies like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards for innovation in aquatic invasive species control. For students and researchers, Scholefield’s career exemplifies how a deep understanding of an organism’s life history can lead to elegant, non-toxic solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The Sterile-Male-Release Technique in Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Management113 citations · 2003