Introduction: |
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In 2006 I received a BS in Zoology from NC State University and for the next three years I continued my work with NC State Museum of
Natural Sciences as a Herpetology Lab Technician and then later as a Living Collections Technician. I left my position at the
museum in the spring of 2009 to pursue Graduate School and to do field work on the federally endangered Cheat Mountain Salamander
(Plethodon nettingi) in the high elevations of West Virginia. My research focuses on fragmentation edge effects on Plethodontid
salamander survivorship, abundance, and movement. I have also started a project trying to understand
the elevational influence on the diet ecology of Thamnophis sirtalis. I travel extensively around the US and often abroad
(Namibia 2006 and Ecuador 2008) surveying for reptiles and amphibians. As I travel and do field work, I try and document my
experiences through photography. |
Research Interests |
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I'm interested in the ecology and natural history of Reptiles and Amphibians. Topics of interest include; landscape structure, ecosystem integrity, suvivorship trends, behavior and movement patterns, island biogeography, population biology, evolution, amphibian declines, and conservation biology. |
Other Interests |
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Traveling both domestically and abroad has always been a interest of mine. There are so many things to see and experience in the world...yet alone in your country, in your state, in your county. I enjoy fieldherping, basically, going out into the field just for the sake of enjoyment. In addition to seeing things in the field, I enjoy working with several species in captivity. Mainly, species that are unique and challenging to work with. Photography is also a big hobby of mine, I try and document every facet of my life through the lens, most of all the places I've been, the people I meet, and the herps I document. I surround myself with the love of old friends. I enjoy the outdoors, so much, I consider it my home, my house in Huntington, a retreat if you will.
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Current Research |
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The Edge Effects of Gated Roads and Trails on the Survivorship of Plethodon nettingi (thesis study) |
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Natural History and Phenology of the Streamside Salamander: Collecting Baseline Data on West Virginia's Rarest Salamander |
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The Role of Elevation on the Diet Ecology of Thamnophis sirtalis from West Virginia |
Links | My Research Pages Plethodon nettingi Garter snake Diet Ecology Florida Keys Research Projects Crotalus horridus Upper Piedmont Project Historical Chytrid Projects |
Herpetological Societies and Groups NC Herpetological Society Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation International Reptile Conservation Foundation |
Various Web Sites of Interest Lingual Luring in Snakes Stable Isotope Ecology - The Book |
