Person

Adam Sage Willcox

Research Associate Professor | School of Natural Resources

Specialization: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

Overview

Adam Willcox teaches globally focused courses, leads immersive study abroad trips for UT students, and coordinates the international agriculture and natural resources minor and the UT Peace Corps Prep Program. Willcox is a research associate professor in the School of Natural Resources and works with the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture to help other UT faculty develop experiential study abroad courses. 

He completed his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia in and his master’s degree in conservation biology. Willcox holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of Florida.



Teaching Focus

Global conservation and sustainable agriculture. Working with UT faculty and staff to develop and deliver experiential study abroad courses. Coordinating the UT Peace Corps Prep Program and the International Agriculture and Natural Resources Minor.

Research Focus

Applying social science methods and theory to improve biodiversity conservation and natural resources management.

Research Questions
  • Recent research projects include: endangered species management, hunting, zoonotic disease risk, integrating agriculture with wildlife conservation, community-based conservation, and bat conservation, among others. Recent study areas include: Belize, Uganda, Rwanda, show caves in the US National Parks, and Cambodia.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 101 - Introduction to One Health: from Antimicrobial Resistance to Zika with a Side of Thousand Cankers
3 credit hour(s)

Humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked, with the health of one affecting the health of all. The One Health concept recognizes that health issues must be addressed cohesively instead of independently. This approach is essential considering approximately 70% of emerging infectious disease cases in humans and livestock are a consequence of spillover events from wildlife. Similarly, humans play a role in animal disease emergence by facilitating global transfer of infectious agents, altering landscape conditions, and creating environmental disturbances. Additionally, plant diseases can reduce global agricultural productivity by up to 40% for the five major food crops, undermining our ability to safeguard national and global food security. This course serves as the introductory experience for students considering One Health careers and pursuing the One Health Minor. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)

AGNR 180 - Global Dynamics: Food, Biodiversity, and the Environment
3 credit hour(s)

By 2050, we will be challenged to feed the 9 billion inhabitants of planet Earth. We are charged to accomplish this sustainably while conserving water, atmospheric, and biodiversity resources to maintain healthy ecosystem functions. This course introduces global agriculture and natural resources issues, focusing on the connectedness of cultural, political, historical, and natural factors that drive contemporary innovations and policy in food production and conservation. Students will foster an appreciation for international agriculture and natural resources that empowers students to engage in international activities and make informed consumer and policy choices. May be used as the introductory course option for the minor in International Agriculture and Natural Resources. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (SS).

Other Instructors: Gill, Tom | Ader, David Russell

AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Kojima, Freddie Naoto | Kojima, Cheryl Jean | Ader, David Russell | Pulte, Andy

FWF 420 - International Natural Resource Issues
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and associated natural resources beyond U.S. borders. Biophysical, economic, and cultural elements impacting natural resources at the international level. Cases - Northern Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FWF 520 and FWF 420 or FWF 427.
Registration Restriction(s): minimum student level – junior.

FWF 427 - Honors International Natural Resource Issues
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and associated natural resources beyond U.S. borders. Biophysical, economic, and cultural elements impacting natural resources at the international level. Cases - Northern Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FWF 427 and FWF 420 or FWF 520.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

FWF 520 - Natural Resource Issues at International Level
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries and wildland park resources beyond U.S. borders. Political, economic, social, and biophysical elements impacting natural resources in different parts of world: Northern Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and South America. In-depth case study and class presentation required by student teams. Credit Restriction: Students cannot earn credit for Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries 420 and 520.

INTE 150 - International Education Experiences
1 - 3 credit hours

Development of international and intercultural competencies through preparation for and completion of international educational experiences.

Repeatability: Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

UNHO 277 - Honors: Special Topics in Global Citizenship - International
3 credit hour(s)

Examination of a selected global or cultural issue from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Topics vary. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (CC)
Repeatability: May be repeated if topic differs. Maximum 6 hours.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102 or ENGL 118.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

WFS 425 - Tropical Ecology, Conservation, and Field Methods
3 credit hour(s)

This study abroad course will cover tropical ecology and conservation concepts, issues, principles, and practices. In addition, it will provide experience in the field methods and techniques used by managers and researchers to study terrestrial natural resource ecology and conservation in tropical regions.

Other Instructors: Willcox, Emma

Picture of Adam Sage Willcox
105 McCord Hall
2640 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Ecology, University of Florida, 2010
  • MS, Conservation Biology, Other, 2002
  • BA, Environmental Science, University of Virginia, 1996

Adam Sage Willcox

Research Associate Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Adam Sage Willcox image
105 McCord Hall
2640 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Ecology, University of Florida, 2010
  • MS, Conservation Biology, Other, 2002
  • BA, Environmental Science, University of Virginia, 1996
Overview

Adam Willcox teaches globally focused courses, leads immersive study abroad trips for UT students, and coordinates the international agriculture and natural resources minor and the UT Peace Corps Prep Program. Willcox is a research associate professor in the School of Natural Resources and works with the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture to help other UT faculty develop experiential study abroad courses. 

He completed his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia in and his master’s degree in conservation biology. Willcox holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of Florida.



Teaching Focus

Global conservation and sustainable agriculture. Working with UT faculty and staff to develop and deliver experiential study abroad courses. Coordinating the UT Peace Corps Prep Program and the International Agriculture and Natural Resources Minor.

Research Focus

Applying social science methods and theory to improve biodiversity conservation and natural resources management.

Research Questions
  • Recent research projects include: endangered species management, hunting, zoonotic disease risk, integrating agriculture with wildlife conservation, community-based conservation, and bat conservation, among others. Recent study areas include: Belize, Uganda, Rwanda, show caves in the US National Parks, and Cambodia.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 101 - Introduction to One Health: from Antimicrobial Resistance to Zika with a Side of Thousand Cankers
3 credit hour(s)

Humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked, with the health of one affecting the health of all. The One Health concept recognizes that health issues must be addressed cohesively instead of independently. This approach is essential considering approximately 70% of emerging infectious disease cases in humans and livestock are a consequence of spillover events from wildlife. Similarly, humans play a role in animal disease emergence by facilitating global transfer of infectious agents, altering landscape conditions, and creating environmental disturbances. Additionally, plant diseases can reduce global agricultural productivity by up to 40% for the five major food crops, undermining our ability to safeguard national and global food security. This course serves as the introductory experience for students considering One Health careers and pursuing the One Health Minor. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)

AGNR 180 - Global Dynamics: Food, Biodiversity, and the Environment
3 credit hour(s)

By 2050, we will be challenged to feed the 9 billion inhabitants of planet Earth. We are charged to accomplish this sustainably while conserving water, atmospheric, and biodiversity resources to maintain healthy ecosystem functions. This course introduces global agriculture and natural resources issues, focusing on the connectedness of cultural, political, historical, and natural factors that drive contemporary innovations and policy in food production and conservation. Students will foster an appreciation for international agriculture and natural resources that empowers students to engage in international activities and make informed consumer and policy choices. May be used as the introductory course option for the minor in International Agriculture and Natural Resources. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (SS).

Other Instructors: Gill, Tom | Ader, David Russell

AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Kojima, Freddie Naoto | Kojima, Cheryl Jean | Ader, David Russell | Pulte, Andy

FWF 420 - International Natural Resource Issues
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and associated natural resources beyond U.S. borders. Biophysical, economic, and cultural elements impacting natural resources at the international level. Cases - Northern Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FWF 520 and FWF 420 or FWF 427.
Registration Restriction(s): minimum student level – junior.

FWF 427 - Honors International Natural Resource Issues
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and associated natural resources beyond U.S. borders. Biophysical, economic, and cultural elements impacting natural resources at the international level. Cases - Northern Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FWF 427 and FWF 420 or FWF 520.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

FWF 520 - Natural Resource Issues at International Level
3 credit hour(s)

Identification and analyses of issues regarding forestry, wildlife, fisheries and wildland park resources beyond U.S. borders. Political, economic, social, and biophysical elements impacting natural resources in different parts of world: Northern Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and South America. In-depth case study and class presentation required by student teams. Credit Restriction: Students cannot earn credit for Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries 420 and 520.

INTE 150 - International Education Experiences
1 - 3 credit hours

Development of international and intercultural competencies through preparation for and completion of international educational experiences.

Repeatability: Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

UNHO 277 - Honors: Special Topics in Global Citizenship - International
3 credit hour(s)

Examination of a selected global or cultural issue from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Topics vary. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (CC)
Repeatability: May be repeated if topic differs. Maximum 6 hours.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102 or ENGL 118.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

WFS 425 - Tropical Ecology, Conservation, and Field Methods
3 credit hour(s)

This study abroad course will cover tropical ecology and conservation concepts, issues, principles, and practices. In addition, it will provide experience in the field methods and techniques used by managers and researchers to study terrestrial natural resource ecology and conservation in tropical regions.

Other Instructors: Willcox, Emma