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 BiologyDescriptions of our most recent research projects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore analyses and experimental designs for ecological research related to wildlife populations and communities.
moodle R RStudio Textbook Project TierMap out your thesis research plan and develop professional skills to prepare for a successful career in scientific research.
moodleExamine fundamental experimental designs and analyses for biological research.
moodle R RStudio Textbook Project TierPrevious Students
Amphibian Communities within a Coffee-Forest Matrix Outside the Protected Buffer of Celaque National Park, Honduras
Ectoparasite Loads in Relation to White Nose Syndrome Wing Damage on Chiroptera Species in Pennsylvania (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)
Effects of Food Supplementation on Demographic Measures of Neotoma magister (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)
Small Mammal Presence and Abundance within Prairie and Forest Habitat at Jennings Environmental Education Center (Undergraduate Independent Research)
Effect of Allegheny Woodrat Habitat Treatments on Small Mammal Populations (Undergraduate Honors Thesis)
Department of Biology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705
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