It can be argued that Kansas and its Board of Regents Universities were the foundation that began North American herpetology. Because of the rich herpetological history and herpetofaunal diversity in this state, the museums in the state of Kansas have allowed the development of invaluable tools for herpetologists of all backgrounds and levels, such as the Kansas Herpetofaunal Atlas (KHA). Using existing and ongoing collecting in the region, KHASM aims to integrate interactive genomic data to the current KHA, maximizing the evolutionary knowledge available at the public’s fingertips. KHASM is inspired by the amazing work ongoing by the California Conservation Genomics Project.

Continuing the research I began at LSU during my dissertation, I am using genomic and morphological data to elucidate the diversity of snakes on the island of New Guinea. The groups that I am currently focused on are the New Guinea Worm-Eating Snakes of Toxicocalamus, and the Sunda-Papuan Keelbacks of Tropidonophis (pictured above - Tropidonophis doriae from 2019 expedition). While my lab is focused primarily in the Great Plains now, future expeditions to New Guinea are planned with exciting publications coming soon!

In addition to the systematics and evolutionary history of herps, I am also interested in pursuing these questions using the flatworm parasites infecting them. THe majority of my work comprises the blood flukes that infect freshwater turtles (Schistosomatoidea). But the short time in the Great Plains has revelaed fascinating infections in many snake species by mouth digeneans (Renifer), and crazy tapeworms (picture above - Oochoristica sp. infecting a Prairie Rattlesnake). Publications coming soon!

Please consider donating to support students directly through research expenses, and even stipend support. You can find more inforation at our SeeMyLegacy portal here: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/772/campaign/1867/overview.