Auburn University

Research

My research interest are in the field of ichthyology, which is the study of fish. (But I'm open to most anything.) Primarily, I study the taxonomy and systematics of various groups of fish. (Taxonomy is simply the science of classification and systematics is the study of the relationships between organisms.)        Currently my main research area involves the catfish genus Hypostomus, which is the focus of my Master's research. These catfish are found in South America. My proposal states that I am revising the Hypostomus emarginatus group, as the current taxonomy seems to over-describe the diversity within the group. Stay tuned for my thesis work!!         We recently ended the Alabama Mill Dam Inventory, for which I was the fish specialist. I was in charge of catching and identifying the fish collected during the survey. I also helped with other field work, including mussel and crayfish collection, habitat data collection, and water temperature data collection. I also help out in an array of departments here at Auburn through the development of my beetle colony. I also help with field work involving herps and mammals, and I would love to get into birds.      Additionally, I am interested in the freshwater fauna of the Southeastern US. As a native of Georgia, I feel that working to understand the fauna of my home will help ensure its continued existence, as well as keep me active in my community in ways that are beneficial to most everyone.      In Georgia, I am currently working several projects involving biogeography, life history, and taxonomic issues concerning native fishes. There are several fishes that have confused taxonomy and there are many issues relating to relationships among species and their  phylogeography. There is also new web site devoted to the fishes of Georgia from the folks at UGA, but I think I'll keep mine around just for the hell of it!!      In the future, I plan on looking into project which involve the ecosystems of the southern Appalachians. My many trips throughout the region have inspired new ideas about the functions of people and the organisms that we come in contact with.