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Davis Herpetology Lab

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. Recent work has primarily focused on applied conservation projects, but questions expanding basic and theoretical knowledge have also been asked. 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 have become a recent area of interest, particularly with non-native lizards.

RECRUITING: I am recruiting students for the positions listed below. Please send me an e-mail (drew.davis [at] enmu.edu) to discuss your interest in any of these positions further.

  • M.S. students: Motivated students are encouraged to contact me if they are interested in developing a graduate research proposal for external funding (e.g, NSF GRFP). I am happy to help sponsor student research on topics where our interests overlap or share a common theme. Additionally, I am able to periodically accept students through departmental Graduate Assistantships to pursue research topics focusing on the ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Please reach out to me to discuss possibilities.
  • Undergraduate and pre-college students: I am recruiting undergraduate students (at ENMU or elsewhere) and pre-college (high school) students to participate with on-going research in the lab or to begin independent research projects. I strongly encourage participation in research by students of all ages and am happy to help facilitate this whenever possible. Opportunities specific to pre-college (high school) students exist and I’m happy to help direct you to these.