Donald K. Price

Professor of Biology
Expertise: Hawaiian Islands, Behavioral genetics, Evolutionary biology

Biography

Donald Price, a biologist and professor within UNLV's College of Sciences, is an expert on the evolution of species and the genetic factors that drive behavioral and physiological processes that allow species to diversify and adapt to their surroundings.

For years before joining UNLV, Price's work was based in Hawaii, which boasts high numbers of endemic species living among the islands' highly variable environments. At UNLV, his laboratory studies animals with wings, plants, and microbes. His work has explored a close relative of the common fruit fly called Hawaiian picture-wing flies (Drosophila), as well as ground beetles and endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose (nene), Hawaiian honeycreeper birds, and the Hawaiian hoary bat.

Price's research has been published in outlets including Ecology and Evolution, Molecular Biology and Evolution, and the American Journal of Botany.

Education

  • Ph.D., Ecology, Ethology and Evolution, University of Illinois

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Donald K. Price In The News

Martha Stewart
Feeding pigeons birdseed in the park can be fun, but having these birds settle into your yard may be less appealing. For starters, their droppings contain uric acid, which can damage cars, roofs, and other surfaces over time. And because pigeons are non-migratory and tend to stay in one area year-round, they may repeatedly feed on garden seeds and seedlings. For bird lovers, the cooing and pretty color may be a boon. But if you prefer to keep these birds out of your garden and yard, we have expert-backed strategies to help.
Daily Express
Gardening and bird watching often go hand-in-hand with the feathered visitors bringing joy to many a British home, but experts say there are six things to avoid if you want to attract more avians.
Las Vegas Review Journal
Since mid-November, bird enthusiast Skye Marsh of Las Vegas had been hoping to get the call she received Wednesday afternoon. The lost toucan, appropriately named Sam, had been found.
Good Housekeeping
Birding experts say your outdoor space could be missing several key elements.

Articles Featuring Donald K. Price

springtime bees
Campus News | May 1, 2026

A flowery collection of top headlines featuring UNLV faculty and students.

Campus landscape
Campus News | March 3, 2026

Some of the hottest headlines featuring UNLV faculty, staff, and students.

Spring Flowers (Becca Schwartz)
Campus News | April 1, 2024

A roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV students and faculty.

Donald Price
People | October 17, 2016

This biologist advises students to become involved in research to enhance their academic experience.