Research Overview
Our research group at Washburn University focuses on the ecology and behavior of turtles. The goal of this research program is to provide undergraduate student researchers with an opportunity to engage in meaningful science/research that can hopefully help translate to better informed conservation and habitat management plans for imperiled turtles. Our program specifically focuses on box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata and Terrapene mexicana) in Northeastern Kansas; however, we also do some aquatic turtle demographic studies as well.
Movement EcologyIndividual turtles are monitored via radio telemetry to determine daily and seasonal movement and ranging activity. We use models to estimate home-range size, or the area an animal covers over a specified time frame, to determine habitat area needs and other important aspects of the individual's ecology. |
Temperature and Turtles Climate and weather are hugely important factors that influence turtle ecology. As ectotherms, turtles nearly exclusively rely on behavioral mechanisms to modulate their body temperature instead of physiological mechaninisms (like endotherms/mammals). We investigate the relationships between temperature and turtle behavior across a variety of contexts. |
Personality and CognitionIndividual level differences within a population are important for maintaining species persistence. We are particularly interested in how variation in personality and cognition (spatial memory and navigation) influence turtle fitness (reproductive success relative to others). |
Are you interested in our research?
Would you like to schedule a tailored talk or book a hands-on radio telemetry demo?
Would you like to schedule a tailored talk or book a hands-on radio telemetry demo?
Education Through REsearch
Preparing students for future careers as biologists and/or as conscientious policy-makers and voters within our community.
