I am broadly interested in conservation biology as it relates to wildlife species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. In more recent history, species have typically not become threatened or endangered without some form of human disturbance to them, and I am fascinated by the ways in which we can work to mitigate these negative effects. The scientific approach is the best means we have to formulate and predict how our further "disturbance" of an animal and/or its space in the form of active management may ultimately reverse the consequences of our previous disturbances.
Current Research
My MS research project at SUNY-ESF concerns an endangered population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). The critical gestation areas of this population have been undergoing natural succession over the past century and suitable basking habitat for reproductive female massasaugas has declined in the process. Recently the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation implemented extensive habitat manipulations in an effort to improve basking opportunities for the snakes.
My study will be the first of its kind by looking at how snakes respond to manipulations of a targeted habitat feature. If the efforts by the DEC prove successful, as evidence from my first field season in 2011 indicates, then I will be able to suggest necessary management plans for the future for this population, with implications for reptiles elsewhere. I plan to substantiate my current data with a second field season in 2012, and also to better understand the eastern massasauga population by looking at aspects such as its demographic structure.
My MS research project at SUNY-ESF concerns an endangered population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). The critical gestation areas of this population have been undergoing natural succession over the past century and suitable basking habitat for reproductive female massasaugas has declined in the process. Recently the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation implemented extensive habitat manipulations in an effort to improve basking opportunities for the snakes.
My study will be the first of its kind by looking at how snakes respond to manipulations of a targeted habitat feature. If the efforts by the DEC prove successful, as evidence from my first field season in 2011 indicates, then I will be able to suggest necessary management plans for the future for this population, with implications for reptiles elsewhere. I plan to substantiate my current data with a second field season in 2012, and also to better understand the eastern massasauga population by looking at aspects such as its demographic structure.
