OverviewI am fascinated by aquatic habitats and the organisms that call them home, and many of these systems - particularly rivers and streams - are considered highly imperiled. Therefore, almost all of my research has occurred in freshwater, riverine, and coastal habitats. Two general themes of my research are (1) to understand different aspects of aquatic vertebrate life history and ecology and (2) to use this information to guide conservation, policy, and/or management decisions. I also conduct species status surveys for rare and endangered 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 [email protected]. 
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Recent NewsDecember 2025
-The Atlas of Amphibians & Reptiles of Mississippi is launched! For the time being, you can find it here; I hope to make a home on this website soon. -Paper published in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians on the conservation status of Cave and Spring Salamanders in Northeastern Mississippi. July 2025 Completed a study abroad class on African Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania and Kenya. So many cool animals and habitats! May/June 2025 Surveys were completed in the southern Mississippi Delta for Western Chicken Turtles. April 2025 Bailey Watkins' Honors Thesis project was published on the distribution and encounter rates of Green Salamanders in Northeastern Mississippi in the journal Herpetological Conservation and Biology! OLD NEWS |