Current Funding

Current Funding

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish: Validating a distribution model for the Western Ribbonsnake in New Mexico; 2023–2024

  • Here, we will validate a previously developed predictive distribution model for the Western Ribbonsnake in eastern New Mexico. The use of models to generate predictions of suitable habitats for species of conservation concern has proven useful in the past. However, no direct, empirical evidence for the efficacy of a previously developed habitat distribution model for the Western Ribbonsnake in New Mexico exists. Therefore, it remains an important endeavor to validate this model and generate modern occurrence records for this species in the state. In doing so, we aim to learn more about the ecology, habitat requirements, and threats facing this species, which will allow informed land management decisions to be made that help to conserve  and manage this species.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Assessing the distribution and conservation status of imperiled aquatic turtles in southwestern Indiana; 2023–2027

  • I will be advertising a M.S. position to conduct this work in Fall 2024 to begin in Spring 2025

Eastern New Mexico University: Surveys for the imperiled Smooth Softshell in the Canadian River of New Mexico; 2023–2024

  • The Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica) is a riverine species of aquatic turtle that has a patchy distribution across the central United States, with the westernmost population occurring in northeastern New Mexico, where occurrence data is limited. Here, I propose to continue using both traditional and novel methods to survey for the Smooth Softshell in the Canadian River. Traditional methods include visual surveys and baited trapping, and novel methods include using environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys. eDNA surveys rely on the collection of DNA that is shed by organisms into their environment and filtered out from water samples. Methods such as trapping result in physical captures which can allow for the assessment of individual health, sex, size, and age, which are important characteristics to better understand local populations. Through these efforts, I hope to generate contemporary Smooth Softshell occurrence data in New Mexico to share with agency partners, facilitating interest and more informed management decisions, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this eDNA assay.