Life History, Ecology, and Conservation of VertebratesMy research broadly focuses on (1) understanding vertebrate life history and ecology and (2) using this information to guide conservation and management decisions. I use ecological and natural history data to answer hypotheses related to thermal ecology, behavioral ecology, population connectivity, reintroduction ecology, and impacts of natural or anthropogenic stressors on reptile, amphibian, or avian populations. I also conduct species status surveys for rare reptile and amphibian species. To learn more about my current or past research, go to my research page.
My teaching interests closely mirror my research interests, so that one complements the other. As a field biologist, I value experiential learning and "learning by doing". This strategy provides better student engagement and deeper learning opportunities (and often good times too!). Such experiences include taking field trips to natural areas, identifying specimens to hone diagnostic skills, class field projects, and learning field techniques. To learn more about the classes I teach, go to my teaching page. If you have any questions or wish to collaborate on a project, please contact me at will.selman@millsaps.edu. 
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Recent NewsDecember 2020
-Six papers published in the Graptemys special issue of Chelonian Conservation and Biology (along with many co-authors!). -Co-authored paper on hormone profiles and reproduction in Diamondback Terrapins from Louisiana accepted in the journal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. -Two natural history notes published in Herpetological Review. November 2020 - Five manuscripts accepted for publication in an upcoming special Graptemys issue of Chelonian Conservation and Biology. - Reddish Egret nesting ecology paper accepted in the journal Waterbirds. July 2020 Book review on the Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin published in Copeia. June 2020 -Completed Graptemys fieldwork in Louisiana. -Hellbender research postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreak OLD NEWS |