Research Overview
Male Pascagoula Map Turtle
Most of my current and past research has focused in the southeastern United States, a region of high aquatic biodiversity. Past and recent research with chelonians (aka, turtles) has allowed me to research numerous aspects of their ecology, particularly within a conservation framework (i.e., the role of recreation on population stress, genetic connectivity of populations, morphological variability in different aquatic environments). Chelonians are also considered one of the most imperiled vertebrate groups worldwide, with many southeastern U.S. turtle species considered species of concern, threatened, or endangered. Many southeastern species are poorly known, and yet their habitats are at great risk in the future (e.g., future dams, increasing global temperatures, etc.)
Amphibians have also become of recent research focus and interest of mine. Amphibian populations are declining globally, and many species in Mississippi and the southeastern United States are species of greatest conservation need. My students and I have studied several aquatic and terrestrial species that are considered rare or endangered in Mississippi, and we have documented various habitat & environmental stressors that are impacting populations.
Scroll over the research heading above if you are interested in recent research projects.
Amphibians have also become of recent research focus and interest of mine. Amphibian populations are declining globally, and many species in Mississippi and the southeastern United States are species of greatest conservation need. My students and I have studied several aquatic and terrestrial species that are considered rare or endangered in Mississippi, and we have documented various habitat & environmental stressors that are impacting populations.
Scroll over the research heading above if you are interested in recent research projects.
Pushepatapa Creek, southeastern Louisiana