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Davis Herpetology Lab at ENMU

The Davis Herpetology Lab at Eastern New Mexico University focuses on the applied ecology and conservation of North American amphibians and reptiles, particularly across the southwestern and midwestern United States. We have conducted studies involving emerging technologies (environmental DNA, drones), behavioral ecology, stress physiology, disease ecology, ecotoxicology, and natural history to gain a deeper insight into threats and challenges species and populations face, all with the goal of helping to conserve both species and critical habitat. In addition to field- and laboratory-based studies, my lab also utilizes museum collections and specimen-based research to further our understanding of topics concerning amphibian and reptile ecology and taxonomy, such as morphological studies, retrospective pathogen sampling, dietary studies, and examining community change through time. Studies understanding the distribution and ecology of non-native species has become a recent area of interest, particularly with non-native lizards.

RECRUITING: Please see below for current open positions and opportunities for future engagement in the Davis Herpetology Lab. Please e-mail me expressing your interest in getting involved.

  • M.S. students: I am currently advertising a M.S. position in my lab for Spring 2026 to conduct research on imperiled frogs (e.g., Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs, Plains Leopard Frogs, Rio Grande Leopard Frogs), as well as non-native American Bullfrogs, along the Pecos River in eastern New Mexico. Questions related to the project includes conducting call surveys using autonomous recording units, examining habitat correlates with species occurrence, and helping to manage American Bullfrog populations, both through the removal of individuals and public engagement. More information is available here; DEADLINE: 12 December 2025

  • Undergraduate/Post-Bac Technician: I will be recruiting one (possibly two) undergraduate/post-baccalaureate technicians to assist with field projects in New Mexico and Texas over Summer 2026 involving surveys for imperiled frogs, turtles, and snakes along the Pecos River in eastern New Mexico. Techniques include using acoustic surveys, trapping, and eDNA-based methods to survey for focal species. These efforts are associated with new or on-going research projects in my lab. More information is available here; DEADLINE: 16 January 2026
  • I aim to post an advertisement in late January/early February 2026. Please continue to check back if you are interested in this position and/or send me an e-mail (drew.davis [at] enmu.edu) to be notified when I post the advertisement.