Duchamp Wildlife Ecology Lab

Joe Duchamp 

Professor

Department of Biology 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Our lab focuses on applying innovative quantitative methods to address the conservaton of vertebrates facing pressure from human activities.  My students and I address questions regarding the response of populations to habitat mangement, quality, and fragmentation along with identifying factors effecting the broader distribution of species.

If you are interested in joining our lab please check out information for prospective students at links to the IUP Biology Department and Graduate program.  

IUP Graduate School IUP Biology

Latest Research 

Descriptions of our most recent research projects.

Allegheny Woodrat Species Distribution and Population Management 

Allegheny woodrats are our native packrats in Pennsylvania. They occupy complex rock habitats along steep slopes and high elevations. We examine population dynamics, species distributions, and habitat quality in cooperation with the PA Game Commission, PA DCNR, and other conservation groups.

Herptofaunal Population Surveys across Fragmented Habitats 

The life history of most amphibians is tied to abundant moisture or aquatic habitats. Although not always visible, they can represent a large portion of the living organisms in an area. They also are sensitive to extreme changes in their environment. We attempt to identify conditions that allow these populations to persist so that they can continue.  

Species Distribution Modeling 

We use presence only methods to map species distributions within a region. When possible, we incorporate genetic information to identify likely corridors that allowed dispersal to occur between populations.


Biology Courses

I teach a variety of courses related to Biology that focus on analysis of biological data, mammalogy, and anatomy. Course descriptions and links to more information can be found below.

Population and Community Ecology 

BIOL 642

Explore analyses and experimental designs for ecological research related to wildlife populations and communities.

moodle R RStudio Textbook Project Tier

Graduate Seminar 

BIOL 611 and 612

Map out your thesis research plan and develop professional skills to prepare for a successful career in scientific research.  

moodle

Biometry

BIOL 602

Examine fundamental experimental designs and analyses for biological research. 

moodle R RStudio Textbook Project Tier

Mammalogy

BIOL 475-575

Explore analyses and experimental designs for ecological research related to wildlife populations and communities.

moodle ADW

Human Anatomy

BIOL 150

In-depth study of human anatomical form and function.  

D2L TopHat

People 

Previous Students

Catie Krygeris 

Amphibian Communities within a Coffee-Forest Matrix Outside the Protected Buffer of Celaque National Park, Honduras

Joshua Peters

Ectoparasite Loads in Relation to White Nose Syndrome Wing Damage on Chiroptera Species in Pennsylvania (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)

Michelle Taddie 

Effects of Food Supplementation on Demographic Measures of Neotoma magister (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)

Sydney Tomechko

Small Mammal Presence and Abundance within Prairie and Forest Habitat at Jennings Environmental Education Center (Undergraduate Independent Research)

Sarah Walz

Effect of Allegheny Woodrat Habitat Treatments on Small Mammal Populations (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)


Contact Information

Department of Biology 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705


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