Research interests
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My main research interest involves the movement ecology of vertebrates - how, where, why, and when animals among and within populations and the consequences of those movements. I use field, lab, and modeling techniques to address research questions, and my research often has an applied and basic component to it. A majority of my research projects focus on reptiles and amphibians and these taxonomic groups are facing extinction on a global scale. Therefore, I often emphasize the importance of my work for conservation efforts.
I also have a strong interest in helping to conserve and manage local ecosystems in Pennsylvania. Many of my research questions stem from conversations with managers in the York County Park System. Park managers have limited resources, but would prefer to make decisions based on the best available information. My students often develop projects that aim to provide valuable information about park habitats to improve protection and management these areas.
Here is a list of recent projects my students have developed. Some students develop their own novel questions based on thier interests and others brainstorm with me to develop questions.
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Habitat use, abundance, and site fidelity of hylid frogs in Richard Nixon County Park
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The relative activity of the domestic cat (Felis catus) in two county parks in south central Pennsylvania
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The effect of human disturbance on habitat use of mesopredators in a county park in south central Pennsylvania
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The cost of the outdoor cat and dog: rehabilitation of wildlife in southern Pennsylvania.
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Seasonal changes viral load of ranavirus in an ephemeral pool
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Juvenile dispersal of the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) from ephemeral breeding pools
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Kin recognition in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius).
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Prevalence of ranavirus in adult amphibian hosts in a vernal pool in south central Pennsylvania.
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Characterizing post-breeding terrestrial habitat of the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) in York County, Pennsylvania
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Host switching of ranavirus at the New Salem Vernal Pool in York, PA.
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A study of Ranavirus in the American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus, found in the New Salem vernal pool, York, PA.
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FV3 Ranavirus prevalence in larval Ambystoma maculatum inhabiting the New Salem vernal pool, York, PA.
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The indirect effects of paved roads on red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in Spring Valley Park in York County, PA
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Movement patterns and microhabitat of red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus).
Movement Ecology
I use direct methods like radio-telemetry, mark recapture, and fluorescent powder tracking and indirect methods (population genetics) to investigate movement of reptiles and amphibians at different spatial scales. Previously I investigated gene flow patterns of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) in the Mojave Desert. Currently, my students and I are examining local movement patterns of red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus), American toads (Anaxyrus americanus), and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) to address important questions about habitat use, juvenile dispersal, and navigation.
Long-term Ranavirus Study
Emerging infections diseases are one of the many factors implicated in global amphibian declines. Ranavirus outbreaks have occurred in North America, Europe, and Asia, though very little is known about long term implications on amphibian communities. My students are investigating the prevalence of this disease in a local breeding community of amphibians. We have many questions about differences in susceptibility among species, the impact of outbreaks on recruitment into adult populations, and how the virus persists in the environment. I initiated this study in 2011 and continue to track disease prevalence. I also collaborate with local agencies and organizations.
Conserving amphibians in York County Parks
Local animal populations experience threats such as habitat destruction, fragmentation and edge effects from roads, invasive species, and disease. County parks often contain valuable, but isolated habitat for populations. My students and I work with York County Park managers to study local populations, improve and restore habitat within parks, and provide recommendations for beneficial management actions. Recently, we have investigated the impacts of roads in parks on salamanders. We are evaluating habitat near recently closed roads to determine if road closures are improving amphibian habitat in local parks.
