Curriculum Vitae
Career Positions
2014 – present. Professor. Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University
2005 – present. Curator. Georgia Southern University -Savannah Science Museum Herpetology Collection, Georgia Southern University
2014 – 2021. Associate Dean of Faculty, Research, and Graduate Programs. College of Science and Mathematics, Georgia Southern University
2009 – 2014. Associate Professor. Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University
2009 – 2014. Graduate Program Director, Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University
2005 – 2009. Assistant Professor. Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University
2002 – 2005. Assistant Professor. Biology Department, Stephen F. Austin State University
2002 – 2005. Herpetology & Ichthyology Curator, Stephen F. Austin State University Vertebrate Collections
1997 – 2002. Research and Teaching Assistant. Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University
1996 – 1997. Lecturer and Lab Technician. Biology Department, Berry College
Education
PhD, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 2002. Ohio University, Athens OH. S.M. Reilly, Advisor. Dissertation: The functional and ecological morphology of lizard feeding: behavior, kinematics, and foraging mode.
MA, Biology, 1996. SUNY College at Buffalo, Buffalo NY. T.D. White, Advisor. Thesis: Electromyographic analysis of bite force in the gold tegu lizard, Tupinambis teguixin.
BS, Biology, 1993, Berry College, Rome GA.
Research Interests
Integrative evolutionary studies of morphology, ecology, & behavior in lower vertebrates
The dynamic interactions among foraging behavior, locomotion, and feeding ecology
The evolution and ontogeny of organismal form and function
The ecological and functional implications of sexual dimorphism
Books
Reilly, SM, LD McBrayer, and DB Miles. 2007. Lizard Ecology: The Evolutionary Consequences of Foraging Mode. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK. 531 pp.
Awards
Georgia Southern University: Department of Biology. Parish Award. 2014.
Georgia Southern University: Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity. 2011.
Georgia Southern University, College of Science and Technology: Award for Excellence in Research. 2011.
Grants and Fellowships
2020-2023 Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit. Evaluation of the status of a tegu population in southern Georgia. Amount $41,500. Funded.
2016 Georgia Southern University, Sustainability Fee Project Award. $32,572. Co-PI. Title: Using vertebrates to provide a framework for sustainable biodiversity on the Georgia Southern Campus. Funded.
2015 Georgia Southern University, Sustainability Fee Project Award. $30,207.89 Co-PI. Title: Using vertebrates to provide a framework for sustainable biodiversity on the Georgia Southern Campus. Funded.
2014 College of Science and Math Research Award. Georgia Southern University. Evaluating climate-forced extinctions of Kalahari lizards. $1000 Georgia Southern University Faculty Development Committee. Travel award. $1885.75.
2011 Faculty Research Grant. Georgia Southern University. Title: Linking anatomical and performance trait diversification with the radiation of lizards in southern Africa. Amount: $10,000.
2011 National Science Foundation, Division of Biological Infrastructure, Research Resources Cluster, Supplemental Award Title: Digitization, rectification, and tagging of the Georgia Southern University Herpetology Collection. Amount: $ 4,462.00.
2010 Faculty Travel Grant. Georgia Southern University. Travel to Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference. Amount: $1229.53.
2008 Georgia Southern University Phase 1 Catalyst Grant. Identifying the target of Natural Selection: a hierarchical approach. Amount: $14,804.
2008 National Science Foundation, Division of Biological Infrastructure, Research Resources Cluster. Title: Digitization, rectification, and tagging of the Georgia Southern University Herpetology Collection. Amount: $ 149,574.
2007 Faculty Service Grant. Georgia Southern University. Title: GSU Biological Collections: Rehabilitation and Digital Accessibility. Co-PI: Dr. M. Zjhra (Georgia Southern University). $3000.
2007 Academic Excellence Grant. College of Science and Technology, Georgia Southern University. Title: Seasonal variation in testosterone and performance of a non-territorial lizard, Aspidoscelis sexlineatus. Co-PI: T.A. Gowan (Georgia Southern University). $500.00.
2007 Faculty Research Grant Supplemental Award. Georgia Southern University. Title: Do fluctuating testosterone levels cause seasonal variation in behavior and performance in a non-territorial lizard? $925.00.
2007 Faculty Travel Grant. Georgia Southern University. Travel to Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference. Amount: $1267.00.
2007 Development of Instruction Grant. Georgia Southern University. Title: Service Learning in Biology courses. Co-PI: Dr. M. Zjhra (Georgia Southern University). $3246.52.
2007 Faculty Research Grant. Georgia Southern University. Title: Do fluctuating testosterone levels cause seasonal variation in behavior and performance in a non-territorial lizard? $9075.00
2006 Faculty Development Summer Award. Georgia Southern University. Development of a summer course (Biol 5xxx: Natural History Collections & Research) and improvement to the GSU-SSM Herpetology Collection. $3000.00
2006 Faculty Travel Grant. Georgia Southern University. Attendance of American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists annual conference, New Orleans, LA. $1425.00
2005 Faculty Service Grant. Georgia Southern University. Title: Current techniques and digitization options for herpetological natural history collections. Amount: $1000.00.
2005 Faculty Mini-Grant. Stephen F. Austin State University. Title: The use of global positioning system (GPS) technology in biological research. Amount $2588.00.
2004-5 Faculty Research Grant. Stephen F. Austin State University Research Council. Title: Home range size and prey distribution in horned lizards. $11,268.21.
2004 Faculty Mini-Grant. Stephen F. Austin State University. Title: Radiotelemetry in snakes and lizards. Amount $850.00.
2002 Faculty Mini-Grant. Stephen F. Austin State University. Title: Construction of reptile incubators for use in the field and laboratory. Amount $600.00.
2001-2 Student Enhancement Award. Ohio University. Title: The evolution of foraging mode and feeding performance in lizards. Amount $5,976.00.
2000-1 Claude Kantner Graduate Fellowship. Ohio University Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies. $11,000.
2000 John Houk Memorial Research Grant. Ohio University. Title: Kinematics of prey processing in lizards. Amount $200.00.
2000 John Houk Memorial Research Grant. Ohio University 2000. Title: Influence of foraging mode on feeding performance. Amount $256.00.
1999 Sigma Xi Research Grants-in-Aid of Research. Title: Morphological and performance correlates of foraging mode in a sit-and-wait and a wide forager. Amount $700.00.
1999 John Houk Memorial Research Grant. Ohio University. Title: Sexual dimorphism in head size and shape in the Southern Alligator lizard.Amount $570.00.
1998 John Houk Memorial Research Grant. Ohio University. Title: Ecological correlates of variation in head size and bite force in the Northern Alligator lizard, Elgaria coeruleus. Amount $432.00
1997 Charles Stearns Grants-in-Herpetology. California Academy of Sciences. Title: Phylogenetic analysis of the diversity of jaw adductor morphologies in lizards. Amount $716.00.
Teaching Experience
2005-present Georgia Southern University.
General Biology (BIO 1130) is an introductory non-majors biology course covering metabolism, genetics, evolution, and basic ecology.
Comparative Anatomy (BIOL 5241) is an in depth course covering the evolution and function morphology of vertebrate form.
Evolution (BIOL 5532) is an overview of evolutionary patterns & processes with a focus on phylogeny use and interpretation.
Herpetology (BIO 5244) is an overview of the ecology, evolution, & natural history of amphibians and reptiles.
Natural History Collections (BIOL 5099) is a broad survey of current biodiversity issues and the role of natural history collections in documenting, cataloguing, and preserving biodiversity.
Seminars: Vertebrate Ectotherm Ecology, Multivariate Statistics.
2002-2005. Assistant Professor. Stephen F. Austin State University.
Animal Ecology (BIO 504). This graduate course was taught via selected readings from the primary literature and covered topics such as natural selection, adaptation, niche theory, competition, comparative methods, and applying multivariate statistics.
Herpetology (BIO 437/537). An overview of the ecology, evolution, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Students were required to collect and identify species and conduct problem-based (i.e. research) activities.
Ichthyology (BIO 438/538). An overview of the ecology, evolution, and natural history of fish. As a Students were required to collect and identify species and conduct problem-based (i.e. research) activities.
Seminar (BIO 470). A one hour undergraduate course that teaches students how to construct and give a professional, scientific presentation.
Biodiversity (BIO 300). An upper division elective emphasizing the evolutionary processes that create and maintain diversity. Major phyla were discussed as were current conservation challenges.
Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 238). An introduction to the cells, tissues, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Students enrolled were underclassmen kinesiology and nursing majors.
Concepts of Biology (BIO121). An introductory non-majors biology course covering metabolism, genetics, evolution, photosynthesis, plant and animal diversity, and basic ecology.
1997-2002. Teaching Assistant. Ohio University.
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Field Ecology, Genetics, Herpetology, Human Anatomy, Introductory Biology, Mammalogy.
1996-1997. Lecturer and Lab Technician. Berry College.
Human Organism: Human anatomy and physiology for non-majors.
Biodiversity: non-majors course that focused on the ecological and evolutionary principles that create and maintain diversity with an emphasis on current conservation issues.
Principles of Biology: Designed laboratory curriculum for the introductory biology course for science majors by writing experimental protocols and supplemental guides for students and instructors; directed 2 undergraduate teaching assistants.
1993-1995. Teaching Assistant. SUNY College at Buffalo.
Advanced Cell Biology, Comparative Animal Physiology, General Zoology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Limnology.
1991-1993. Tutor. Berry College. Principles of Biology
Service, Academic Memberships, and Honors
Curator: 2005 – present. GSU-Savannah Science Museum Herpetological Collection. The herpetology collection contains approximately 38,000 specimens. Many projects are underway including the creation of an electronic database of all collection records. The database is complete and is currently being converted to scientific collection database (Specify, U. Kansas) to be shared on the web in 2012. Funds for improvement and curation of the Collection were obtained from Georgia Southern University and the National Science Foundation. I direct several graduate and undergraduate curatorial assistants annually. From 2002-2005, I was the curator of Herpetology & Ichthyology at Stephen F. Austin State University Vertebrate Collections. The herpetological and ichthyological collections contained approximately 6000 specimens. The collection and all existing data were entered into a computerized scientific collection database. I directed six undergraduate curatorial assistants and two graduate students in this capacity.
Graduate Program Director: 2009 – 2014. I directed of the Department of Biology’s graduate program (M.S.) and chaired graduate committee. I coordinated recruitment, admissions, policy, curriculum, and administration of all aspects of the thesis and non-thesis degree programs. Approximately 47 students were enrolled in 2009 and 60 students in 2014. Duties included: recruit applicants & act as point of contact for all enquiries, assign assistantships, advise students without advisers, signature authority on all forms, assign office space, arbitrate any conflicts among student & advisers, catalog revisions, maintain databases on entrance data, publications, graduation, fate of alumni, conduct program review, and all assessment reports, etc. I also advised the Biology Organization of Graduate Students (BOGS) club. This service club selects a distinguish alumnus annually and may participate in other events.
Associate Editor 2009 – 2012. Associate Editor for Herpetologica. I reviewed manuscripts, solicit reviewers, and made recommendations to the editor on the content and quality of submissions for publication in the journal.
Reviewer: American Midland Naturalist, American Naturalist, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Copeia, Functional Ecology, FWO Flanders – postdoctoral fellowship application, Herpetologica, Herpetological Review, Integrative and Comparative Biology, Journal of Comparative Physiology B, Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological Genetics & Physiology, Journal of Herpetology, Natural History Journal, National Science Foundation, Oecologia, Oxford University Press, Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the Royal Society Biological Sciences, Quarterly Review of Biology, Southeastern Naturalist, Tropical Ecology, Zoology. I have also served as an external reviewer for a doctoral dissertation (U. Stellenbosch, RSA).
Reviewed chapters in the textbook: Essential Biology with Physiology, Second Edition. (Sept. 2006); Biology: The Essentials. (Sept. 2011)
Thesis Advisor (Grad. Date): Chase Kinsey (2017), Richard Orton (2017), Lauren Neel (2016), Seth Parker (2014), Matthew Kaunert (2013), Jessica Self (2012), Clint Collins (2012), Reed Stiller (2011), Derek Tucker (2011), Steven Williams (2010), Jennifer O’Connor (2009), Matthew Schacht (2009), Timothy Gowan (2008), A. Gaskell (2007), J. Korenek (2006), J. Korenek (2006)(SFASU), J. Pierce (2005) (SFASU), M. Hitchcock (2004) (SFASU)
Thesis Committees: R. Blog (2012), H. Cason (2009), S. Castelda (2008), T. Condon (2012), J.D. Curliss (2017), T. Davis (2007), L. Deaner (2014), J. Entz (2009), M. Erickson (2015), C. Hilsinger (2009), A. Moss (2010), N. Nasseri (2009), A. Teare (2010), G. Todd (2016), J. Tuttle (2007), C. Woods, J. Zimmerman (2010). Stephen F. Austin: C. Adams (2004), R. Allen (2004), A. Bradstreet (2004), M. Houston (2004), B. Johnson (2004), S. Johnson (2005), J. Macy (2005), M. Phillips (2005), H. Podlipky (2006), O. Olynka (2005), J. Smith, J. Tinsley.
Other Service:
2018 – Chair of the Undergraduate Research Council and of the Research Symposium committee (AY 2017-2018). Responsible for disbursement of over $100,000 in travel funding and the design and execution of a university wide symposium with over 120 student presentations.
2017 – Session Chair at the Georgia Southern University Research Symposium and member of the Undergraduate Research Council for the University in AY 2015-2018.
2017 – co-founder of Statesboro Science on Tap with Dr. Amanda Glaze (COE), Dr. Jason Slone, and Dr. Chad Posick (CLASS).
2016 – Co-organizer of the international symposium Past Present and Future of Ecological Morphology. International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, Washington DC June 29-July 3; reader at spring graduation (graduate).
2015-16 – Tour of Biological Sciences building to Young Men of Honor youth organization and Leadership Bulloch. Three to five tours are conducted annually with various groups, as well as 2-3 with classes.
2013 – Judge for oral presentations at the College of Graduate Studies Annual Research Symposium.
2012-2014 - COSM member of the GSU Faculty Grievance Committee
2012 – Public education exhibit at Georgia State University. Georgia's Amphibians and Reptiles: Herpetology of the Coastal Plain. October 19 – November 16 2012. Attended reception to public.
2012 – COSM Committee to review curatorial practices at the GSU Institute for Arthropodology and Parasitology
2011-2012 – COSM Awards Committee. Reviewed research grant applications.
2012 Spring Graduate Commencement - Reader
2011 – Invited seminar: Gobabeb Training & Research Centre, Namibia. Title: Measuring organismal performance and behavior.
2010 Public educational exhibit at Georgia Southern University. Georgia's Amphibians and Reptiles: Herpetology of the Coastal Plain. September 13 2010 – January 30 2011. Attended opening reception to public.
2007-8: Guest lectures at the Charter Conservancy, Statesboro GA.
2006 – 2009: GSU College of Science & Technology Committees: College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) Awards committee.
Departmental Committees: Administrative Secretary Search, Advisory, Curriculum Committee, Collections and Curation Committee, Search Committees (Evolutionary Biology, Agro/Forest Ecologist, Vertebrate Physiology, Collections Manager (chair)), Graduate Admissions & Curriculum (Chair 2009-present), New Building Committee, Public Relations & Webpage (Chair 2010-2012), Research Facilities Committee, Saturday Recruitment, Seminar Series (Chair 2007-2009), Social Committee (Co-Chair 2009-2010), Technology Committee, Undergraduate Programs. Faculty Adviser for Biological Organization for Graduate Students (BOGS) 2009-15. Undergraduate Advising: Advised 10-15 undergraduate Biology majors. Faculty adviser for ForeSight, pre-optometry club.
Undergraduate Advising: Advise 10-15 undergraduate Biology majors.
SFASU Committees: Computer, Graduate, Scholarship, Introductory Biology (sub-committee chair), Animal Welfare (chair), Vehicle Use, Brochure Development
2005-present. General departmental service including improvements and maintenance to the Departmental webpage, guest lectures for faculty, open house, graduation, assist with mapping localities where Biology faculty do research, attend student sponsored programs and events, implemented and coordinated BIOL 4890 poster session, attend all departmental functions, conducted Conversations with Professors, etc.
Societies: 1994 – present: Member Society of Integrative & Comparative Biology
2012: Nominated for Chair – Elect of the Division of Vertebrate Morphology
2006: Judge of the Division of Ecology and Evolution Best Paper Award
2004: Judge for the D. Dwight Davis Award
2004-2007: Session Chair
2009 – present: Member of Herpetologists League
1998-06: Member American Society of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists
1998-04: Member Society for the Study of Amphibians & Reptiles
1999: Chair of the SSAR Graduate Student Travel Awards Committee
1999: Organizer of the Silent Auction at the annual meeting of SSAR
2000-1: Graduate Student Senate Representative, Ohio University
2000: Planning Committee & Session Chair, Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference
1999-01, 2016-present : Member Sigma Xi
1999 Planning Committee, Midwest Regional Meeting of the Soc. of Integrative & Comparative Biology, Div. Vertebrate Morphology