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D-Index & Metrics

Ecology and Evolution

D-Index
42
Citations
6234
World Ranking
5611
National Ranking
1918

Carol A. Stepien publication distribution in Ecology and Evolution in 2026

The chart shows the distribution of publications by all Research.com ranked scientists in the field of Ecology and Evolution in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Carol A. Stepien sits on this spectrum.

37–41 publications: 2 scientists 42–46 publications: 9 scientists 47–51 publications: 10 scientists 52–56 publications: 31 scientists 57–61 publications: 56 scientists 62–66 publications: 91 scientists 67–71 publications: 92 scientists 72–76 publications: 127 scientists 77–81 publications: 173 scientists 82–86 publications: 236 scientists 87–91 publications: 227 scientists 92–96 publications: 240 scientists 97–101 publications: 333 scientists 102–106 publications: 280 scientists 107–111 publications: 300 scientists 112–116 publications: 285 scientists 117–121 publications: 305 scientists 122–126 publications: 287 scientists 127–131 publications: 278 scientists 132–136 publications: 289 scientists 137–141 publications: 273 scientists 142–146 publications: 262 scientists 147–151 publications: 246 scientists 152–156 publications: 235 scientists 157–161 publications: 205 scientists 162–166 publications: 199 scientists 167–171 publications: 174 scientists 172–176 publications: 164 scientists 177–181 publications: 173 scientists 182–186 publications: 189 scientists 187–191 publications: 170 scientists 192–196 publications: 139 scientists 197–201 publications: 128 scientists 202–206 publications: 117 scientists 207–211 publications: 115 scientists 212–216 publications: 107 scientists 217–221 publications: 124 scientists 222–226 publications: 81 scientists 227–231 publications: 82 scientists 232–236 publications: 85 scientists 237–241 publications: 75 scientists 242–246 publications: 66 scientists 247–251 publications: 81 scientists 252–256 publications: 69 scientists 257–261 publications: 70 scientists 262–266 publications: 55 scientists 267–271 publications: 64 scientists 272–276 publications: 49 scientists 277–281 publications: 48 scientists 282–286 publications: 44 scientists 287–291 publications: 45 scientists 292–296 publications: 36 scientists 297–301 publications: 39 scientists 302–306 publications: 38 scientists 307–311 publications: 30 scientists 312–316 publications: 34 scientists 317–321 publications: 25 scientists 322–326 publications: 22 scientists 327–331 publications: 28 scientists 332–336 publications: 30 scientists 337–341 publications: 22 scientists 342–346 publications: 30 scientists 347–351 publications: 26 scientists 352–356 publications: 22 scientists 357–361 publications: 29 scientists 362–366 publications: 21 scientists 367–371 publications: 12 scientists 372–376 publications: 18 scientists 377–381 publications: 17 scientists 382–386 publications: 13 scientists 387–391 publications: 21 scientists 392–396 publications: 13 scientists 397–401 publications: 10 scientists 402–406 publications: 15 scientists 407–411 publications: 8 scientists 412–416 publications: 9 scientists 417–421 publications: 8 scientists 422–426 publications: 4 scientists 427–431 publications: 10 scientists 432–436 publications: 10 scientists 437–441 publications: 5 scientists 442–446 publications: 4 scientists 447–451 publications: 10 scientists 452–456 publications: 2 scientists 457–461 publications: 4 scientists 462–466 publications: 7 scientists 467–471 publications: 7 scientists 472–476 publications: 6 scientists 477–481 publications: 6 scientists 482–486 publications: 3 scientists 487–491 publications: 3 scientists 492–496 publications: 4 scientists 497–501 publications: 4 scientists 502–506 publications: 8 scientists 507–511 publications: 5 scientists 512–516 publications: 4 scientists 517–521 publications: 5 scientists 522–526 publications: 4 scientists 527–530 publications: 5 scientists 531+ publications: 100 scientists
37 publications 531+

This scientist: 122 publications — 34th percentile

34% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 531 publications or more.

Carol A. Stepien D-index placement in Ecology and Evolution in 2026

The chart shows the D-index (discipline H-index) distribution of Ecology and Evolution scientists ranked by Research.com in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Carol A. Stepien sits on this spectrum.

30 D-Index: 95 scientists 31 D-Index: 123 scientists 32 D-Index: 191 scientists 33 D-Index: 245 scientists 34 D-Index: 252 scientists 35 D-Index: 244 scientists 36 D-Index: 249 scientists 37 D-Index: 244 scientists 38 D-Index: 254 scientists 39 D-Index: 254 scientists 40 D-Index: 280 scientists 41 D-Index: 274 scientists 42 D-Index: 266 scientists 43 D-Index: 233 scientists 44 D-Index: 248 scientists 45 D-Index: 208 scientists 46 D-Index: 201 scientists 47 D-Index: 213 scientists 48 D-Index: 207 scientists 49 D-Index: 172 scientists 50 D-Index: 209 scientists 51 D-Index: 199 scientists 52 D-Index: 153 scientists 53 D-Index: 169 scientists 54 D-Index: 163 scientists 55 D-Index: 148 scientists 56 D-Index: 120 scientists 57 D-Index: 146 scientists 58 D-Index: 137 scientists 59 D-Index: 140 scientists 60 D-Index: 104 scientists 61 D-Index: 119 scientists 62 D-Index: 118 scientists 63 D-Index: 99 scientists 64 D-Index: 77 scientists 65 D-Index: 100 scientists 66 D-Index: 86 scientists 67 D-Index: 83 scientists 68 D-Index: 75 scientists 69 D-Index: 94 scientists 70 D-Index: 57 scientists 71 D-Index: 68 scientists 72 D-Index: 59 scientists 73 D-Index: 63 scientists 74 D-Index: 66 scientists 75 D-Index: 60 scientists 76 D-Index: 42 scientists 77 D-Index: 49 scientists 78 D-Index: 39 scientists 79 D-Index: 37 scientists 80 D-Index: 43 scientists 81 D-Index: 41 scientists 82 D-Index: 45 scientists 83 D-Index: 34 scientists 84 D-Index: 40 scientists 85 D-Index: 35 scientists 86 D-Index: 55 scientists 87 D-Index: 24 scientists 88 D-Index: 24 scientists 89 D-Index: 30 scientists 90 D-Index: 23 scientists 91 D-Index: 25 scientists 92 D-Index: 27 scientists 93 D-Index: 27 scientists 94 D-Index: 13 scientists 95 D-Index: 23 scientists 96 D-Index: 12 scientists 97 D-Index: 14 scientists 98 D-Index: 19 scientists 99 D-Index: 16 scientists 100 D-Index: 14 scientists 101 D-Index: 5 scientists 102 D-Index: 21 scientists 103 D-Index: 16 scientists 104 D-Index: 10 scientists 105 D-Index: 7 scientists 106 D-Index: 7 scientists 107 D-Index: 7 scientists 108 D-Index: 6 scientists 109 D-Index: 9 scientists 110 D-Index: 11 scientists 111 D-Index: 12 scientists 112 D-Index: 9 scientists 113 D-Index: 7 scientists 114 D-Index: 3 scientists 115 D-Index: 8 scientists 116 D-Index: 5 scientists 117 D-Index: 11 scientists 118 D-Index: 4 scientists 119 D-Index: 2 scientists 120 D-Index: 5 scientists 121+ D-Index: 100 scientists
30 D-Index 121+

This scientist: 42 D-Index — 35th percentile

35% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 121 D-Index or more.

Research.com Recognitions

  • 2016 - Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Overview

Carol A. Stepien is affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States. Their research spans multiple aspects of environmental science and molecular biology, with a particular focus on ecology and conservation.

Their work explores a range of specialized topics including:

  • Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
  • Identification and Quantification in Food
  • Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
  • Fish Ecology and Management Studies
  • Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
  • Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
  • Marine and environmental studies

Stepien publishes predominantly in environmental and ecological venues. Frequent publication venues include:

  • Environmental DNA
  • Preprints.org
  • Ecological Processes
  • PLoS ONE
  • Management of Biological Invasions

Frequent coauthors in their scientific collaborations are:

  • Nathaniel T. Marshall
  • Sean M. McAllister
  • Emily Norton
  • Julie E. Keister
  • Megan D. Niner

Among Stepien's recent published papers are:

  • "Strategic considerations for invasive species managers in the utilization of environmental DNA (eDNA): steps for incorporating this powerful surveillance tool," 2021, Management of Biological Invasions
  • "Macroinvertebrate community diversity and habitat quality relationships along a large river from targeted eDNA metabarcode assays," 2020, Environmental DNA
  • "Detecting aquatic invasive species in bait and pond stores with targeted environmental (e)DNA high-throughput sequencing metabarcode assays: Angler, retailer, and manager implications," 2020, Biological Conservation
  • "Intra-Annual and Interannual Dynamics of Evaporation Over Western Lake Erie," 2020, Earth and Space Science
  • "Neocosmopolitan distributions of invertebrate aquatic invasive species due to euryhaline geographic history and human-mediated dispersal: Ponto-Caspian versus other geographic origins," 2023, Ecological Processes

The main fields of study for Stepien include Environmental Science and Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.

The subfields incorporate:

  • Ecology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Oceanography

Carol A. Stepien was recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2016.

Best Publications

  • Molecular systematics of fishes

    Thomas D. Kocher;Carol A. Stepien

  • Phylogeography of Ophioblennius: the role of ocean currents and geography in reef fish evolution.

    Andrew Muss;D. Ross Robertson;Carol A. Stepien;Peter Wirtz

  • Invasion genetics of Ponto-Caspian gobies in the Great Lakes: a 'cryptic' species, absence of founder effects, and comparative risk analysis.

    Carol A. Stepien;Carol A. Stepien;Mark A. Tumeo;Mark A. Tumeo

  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding assays to detect invasive invertebrate species in the Great Lakes.

    Katy E. Klymus;Nathaniel T. Marshall;Carol A. Stepien

  • Population genetic structure, phylogeography and spawning philopatry in walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) from mitochondrial DNA control region sequences

    Carol A. Stepien;Joseph E. Faber

  • Genetic diversity of invasive species in the Great Lakes versus their Eurasian source populations: insights for risk analysis

    Carol A. Stepien;Joshua E. Brown;Matthew E. Neilson;Mark A. Tumeo

  • Escape from the Ponto-Caspian: evolution and biogeography of an endemic goby species flock (Benthophilinae: Gobiidae: Teleostei).

    Matthew E. Neilson;Carol A. Stepien

  • PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF OPHIOBLENNIUS: THE ROLE OF OCEAN CURRENTS AND GEOGRAPHY IN REEF FISH EVOLUTION

    Unknown

  • Invasion genetics of the Eurasian round goby in North America: tracing sources and spread patterns

    Joshua E. Brown;Carol A. Stepien

  • CHAPTER 1 – Molecules and Morphology in Studies of Fish Evolution

    Carol A. Stepien;Thomas D. Kocher

  • Genetic variability and phylogeographical patterns of a nonindigenous species invasion: a comparison of exotic vs. native zebra and quagga mussel populations

    C. A. Stepien;C. D. Taylor;K. A. Dabrowska

  • Global Observational Needs and Resources for Marine Biodiversity

    Gabrielle Canonico;Pier Luigi Buttigieg;Enrique Montes;Frank E. Muller-Karger

  • Early detection monitoring for aquatic non-indigenous species: Optimizing surveillance, incorporating advanced technologies, and identifying research needs

    Anett S. Trebitz;Joel C. Hoffman;John A. Darling;Erik M. Pilgrim

  • Ancient divisions, recent expansions: phylogeography and population genetics of the round goby Apollonia melanostoma

    Joshua E. Brown;Carol A. Stepien

  • Evolution and phylogeography of the tubenose goby genus Proterorhinus (Gobiidae: Teleostei): evidence for new cryptic species

    Matthew E. Neilson;Carol A. Stepien

  • Signatures of vicariance, postglacial dispersal and spawning philopatry: population genetics of the walleye Sander vitreus

    C. A. Stepien;D. J. Murphy;R. N. Lohner;O. J. Sepulveda-Villet

  • Tandemly repeated sequences in the mitochondrial DNA control region and phylogeography of the pike-perches Stizostedion

    Joseph E. Faber;Carol A. Stepien

  • Diagnostic genetic markers and evolutionary relationships among invasive dreissenoid and corbiculoid bivalves in North America: phylogenetic signal from mitochondrial 16S rDNA.

    Carol A Stepien;Allyson N Hubers;Jennifer L Skidmore

  • Genetic divergence and connectivity among river and reef spawning groups of walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus) in Lake Erie

    Rex Meade Strange;Carol A. Stepien

  • Evolution and biogeography of an emerging quasispecies: Diversity patterns of the fish Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv)

    Lindsey R. Pierce;Carol A. Stepien

  • Genetic Divergence in Antitropical Pelagic Marine Fishes (Trachurus, Merluccius, and Scomber) between North and South America

    Carol A. Stepien;Richard H. Rosenblatt

Frequent Co-Authors

Zutao Ouyang
Zutao Ouyang Auburn University
Changliang Shao
Changliang Shao Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Jiquan Chen
Jiquan Chen Michigan State University
James C. Willey
James C. Willey University of Toledo
Thomas Kocher
Thomas Kocher University of Maryland, College Park
Kevin A. Feldheim
Kevin A. Feldheim Field Museum of Natural History
Patricia Miloslavich
Patricia Miloslavich University of Tasmania
Ranjeet John
Ranjeet John University of South Dakota
Vikram N. Vakharia
Vikram N. Vakharia University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Jan Newton
Jan Newton University of Washington

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