Life History, Ecology, and Conservation of Vertebrates

My research broadly focuses on (1) understanding vertebrate life history and ecology and (2) using this information to guide conservation and management decisions on population, species, or community levels.   I use ecological and natural history data to answer hypotheses related to disturbance ecology, thermal ecology, population connectivity, reintroduction ecology, and impacts of natural or anthropogenic stressors on reptile, amphibian, or avian populations.  I focus on developing local research projects in Mississippi/Alabama as well as projects at Kaxil Kiuic, the Millsaps Biocultural Preserve in Yucatan, Mexico. 

My teaching interests closely mirror my research interests, so that one complements the other.  As a field biologist, I value experiential learning and believe it is essential to understand ecological concepts or organisms.  When students use the five senses to experience their environment, this solidifies the topics discussed in lecture.  Such experiences could come through taking field trips, identifying specimens, class field projects, and learning field techniques. I currently teach Zoology, Wetland Ecology, Herpetology, and Ornithology in the Biology Department. 
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If you are a student interested in working in the lab or wish to collaborate on a project, please contact me at will.selman@millsaps.edu.

Recent News

May 2018
-Manuscript published on plastron pigmentation variation in diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Louisiana in Herpetologica (with co-authors B. Reinke and S. Pearson).
-Manuscript published on geographic, seasonal, and sexual variation in the diet of Graptemys flavimaculata in Copeia (with co-author P. Lindeman).

April 2018
Awarded the Richard A. Smith Award for Excellence in Scholarship or Creative Work for Millsaps College.

March 2018
Manuscript on 36 new county records for MS, LA, and TN published in Herpetological Review (with 15 undergraduates from Millsaps undergraduate herpetology).

February 2018
Millsaps undergraduate students Gracie Bellnap, Drew Carter, and Haley Smith presented posters on their turtle research at the 28th Annual Millsaps Student Science Research Symposium.
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January 2018
-Manuscript on observations of juvenile diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Louisiana accepted in Herpetological Conservation and Biology.
-Manuscript on 36 new county records for MS, LA, and TN accepted in Herpetological Review (with 15 undergraduates from Millsaps undergraduate herpetology).
-Co-authored manuscript on pigmentation variability in diamondback terrapins across coastal Louisiana accepted in Herpetologica (with B. Reinke, TX A&M and S. Pearson, LDWF).

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