Professor of Biology; Director of the Honors Program; Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Minor; Coordinator of Biology Program
- Ph.D., Utah State University
- M.S., Utah State University
- B.S., Auburn University
Year Started at Coker
2008
Education Background
- Ph.D., Utah State University
- M.S., Utah State University
- B.S., Auburn University
Research Background
I believe student-driven research is the best way to prepare biology students for their future careers. Research provides experience in designing experiments, field-biology methodologies, statistical techniques, and scientific writing. My research interests focus on animal behavior and the interaction between individuals. I have studied flying squirrels and red-cockaded woodpeckers in Georgia, ducks and their nest predators in North Dakota, and grouse and their nest predators in Utah. Since arriving at Coker University, I began a research program that gets students involved in extracurricular research. Projects include looking at the effect of human use of areas on nest depredation, coyote diet selection, herpetofaunal diversity at Kalmia Gardens, snag occupancy at Kalmia Gardens, and antimicrobial properties of bird uropygial glands.
Favorite Thing about being a Cobra
I love being a Cobra because of the students! I get to watch as they develop their interests, knowledge base, and skills. The growth I see in them over just 4 years is astounding and motivates me to help prepare them for the next step in their journeys.