Patrick Della Croce

Assistant Professor, Biology and Environmental Sciences

Ph.D. Montana State University, United States
M.S. Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland

Office: Villa, North Campus, Loft
Phone: +41 91 986 36 62
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Profile:

Dr. Della Croce joined Franklin University Switzerland in August 2013 and is currently Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences. He teaches courses in Franklin University's Environmental studies program, including core courses such as Introduction to Biology, Ecology and Freshwater Conservation. He has a M.S. in Environmental Sciences with a focus on the Biology of Aquatic Systems from the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich (Switzerland) and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University in Bozeman (Montana, U.S.A). His scholarly work includes research on river-groundwater interactions, the use of river habitat by fish and the movement of non-native genes across river networks. His current research interests include the use of simulation models in ecological studies, fish biology and fisheries management, groundwater ecology, ecology of invasive species and management and conservation of freshwater systems.

In addition to being a member of the American Fisheries Society and the Società Ticinese di Scienze Naturali, Dr. Della Croce is a scientific consultant for the environmental Consulting firm EcoEng SA and is actively participating in projects involving river and lakes restoration, riparian vegetation management and fish passages.

2018-2019 Courses:

BIO 101	Introduction to Biology: Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology	FALL 2018
An introduction to the biological sciences. Topics include the principles of genetics, evolutionary theory, ecology, and conservation biology. Course includes occasional afternoon laboratory sessions.
BIO 310W	Ecology	FALL 2018
This course examines the interactions of organisms with their environment and each other, the dynamics of populations, the structure and functions of ecosystems, the role of biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity. Required laboratory sessions. MAT 201 and BIO 102 are strongly recommended prior to taking this course. (This writing-intensive course counts towards the Academic Writing requirements.)
ENV 199	Biological Invasions: Introductions of Non-Native Species	FALL 2018
Human-mediated introductions of species outside of their native range have long been part of human history. While initially the introduction of non-native species to new habitats was seen mostly positively and even as advantageous for the local biodiversity, to date, biological invasions are widely recognized as one of the major threats to biodiversity and native species. Yet, the rate of introductions of non-native species worldwide is still increasing. Using, among others, the story of the introductions of rainbow trout in the United States and examples from Ticino and the Alps, this seminar will explore the history of human-mediated biological invasions, the reasons behind the introductions of non-native species, and the effects of non-native species on the local species, the local ecosystems, and on us. Field trips, including possibly a weekend in the Alps, will be integral and required parts of the seminar. Like all First Year Seminars, this course will cultivate the fundamental critical and academic skills necessary for success at the university level.
BIO 102	Introduction to Biology: Cell and Animal	SPRING 2019
This course provides students with an introduction to the biological sciences focused on the structure and functioning of animal cells and organs. Topics include basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, and animal physiology. This course will emphasize human anatomy and physiology as model systems for understanding and contrasting key principles of animal biology. The course has integrated lab exercies.
ENV 230T	Freshwater Conservation (Northern Italy)	SPRING 2019
This course explores various aspects of rivers, freshwater lakes, and groundwater aquifers. It provides an introduction to the distinct ecology of these three freshwater systems, their human uses, different approaches to their conservation, possibilities for restoration of degraded systems, and a look at the role that lakes and rivers play in international relationships. During Academic Travel, the class will visit various freshwater systems and will also practice field data collection techniques. Tentatively, the travel will take place in North-East Italy and Slovenia. This course may also include shorter day-trips to local points of interests.
ENV 350	Environmental Management in Switzerland	SPRING 2019
Serving as an introduction to environmental management in Switzerland, this course draws from case studies and current examples. Students learn how the Swiss manage and exploit forests, agricultural areas, and aquatic systems. Students further explore the cultural and economic importance of natural resources and wildlife in Switzerland, the policies behind their protection and use, and the challenges Switzerland faces in managing them. The course includes multiple required trips to local points of interest including a weekend field-trip.

Awards and Honors:

Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship (2012-2013)

Western Division of the American Fisheries Society Student Travel Award (2010-2012)

Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Resource Action Fund (2010)

Society for Freshwater Science (former North American Benthological Society) General Fund Award (2010)

Relevant publications:

McGuire, E. and Della Croce, P. (2017). An analysis of changes in the environmental content of Caldecott and Newbery medal winning children’s books, 1922-2016. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 12(8), 1879-1894.

Della Croce, P., Poole, G. C., Payn, R. A., & Gresswell, R. E. (2017). Detecting Introgression in Fish Populations: When Sample Size actually matters. Fisheries, 42(1), 44-56.

Della Croce P., Poole, G. C., Luikart, G. (2016) Simplifying assumptions yield overconfidence in detecting and quantifying introgression in hybridized populations. Molecular Ecology Resources, 16, 1287–1302. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.12520

Hale, B. W., Della Croce, P. (2015). In everybody’s backyard? Examining the intersection of invasive species and environmental justice. Intervalla.

Della Croce, P., Poole, G. C., Payn, R. A., & Izurieta, C. (2014). Simulating the effects of stream network topology on the spread of introgressive hybridization across fish populations. Ecological Modelling, 279, 68-77.