Christina Romagosa | Post-Docs | Graduate Students | Other Lab Members
Eric Suarez Project Manager
My current research focuses on the feeding ecology of the introduced Burmese python in the Florida Everglades.
Research Interests
My research interests include behavioral ecology, invasion ecology, and spatial ecology.
Education
BS University of Florida
MS University of Florida
Bio
For most of my life, I have felt disconnected from nature. There were no forests or rivers near my home; only overgrown yards, concrete walls, and canals. During my adolescent years, my parents were terrified of going to the Everglades because of the “dangerous wildlife” found there. In a desperate attempt to get my hands on some wildlife, I would spend most of my days at home in my backyard catching lizards on chain linked fences.
My life changed in 2007; I was given an opportunity to work on a freshwater turtle research project in north Florida. During that first time on the river, I saw an alligator snapping turtle and I was hooked. Once I got my first taste of research, I knew I had found the career path right for me. In 2008, I began to pursue a B.S. degree at the University of Florida's Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, later becoming the first in my family to receive a college degree. During my time as an undergrad, I continued to volunteer on multiple projects involving freshwater turtles and the introduced Cuban tree frog.
After graduating with my B.S. in 2010, I held multiple positions for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), where I researched the populations and movements of alligator snapping turtles throughout Florida. In 2012, I was selected to work on diamondback terrapins off the gulf coast of Florida, which ultimately became the focus of my Master’s thesis.
In 2013, I began my Master’s at the University of Florida under Steve Johnson. My thesis focused on investigating the population dynamics of diamondback terrapins while developing a standardized search methodology for terrapins on a small barrier island off the gulf coast of Florida. I also completed an experiment observing the behavior of terrapins inside crab traps.
My personal interests include sports, fishing, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and camping. For me, all of these interests are enhanced when they can be spent with family and friends.
Publications
Johnston, G.R., J.C. Mitchell, and E. Suarez. 2015. Chelonochory in a northern Florida river. Florida Scientist 78:57-62.
Johnston, G.R., T.M. Thomas, E. Suarez, A. Lau, and J.C. Mitchell. 2015. Population Structure and Body Sizes of the Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) in Northern Florida. Chelonian Conservation Biology 14(1):73-81.
Thomas, T.M., M.C. Granatosky, J.R. Bourque, K.L. Krysko, P.E. Moler, T. Gamble, E. Suarez, E. Leone, and J. Roman. 2014. Taxonomic assessment of alligator snapping turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species from the southeastern United States. Zootaxa 3786 (2):141-165.
Alfonso, Y.U., G. Fajardo, E. Suarez, and K.L. Krysko. 2012. Sexual Size Dimorphism, Ovipositioning, and Hatching in Leiocephalus macropus asbolomus (Squamata: Leiocephalidae) in Alexander Von Humboldt National Park in Eastern Cuba. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians 19(4): 230-236.
Johnston, G.R., E. Suarez, J.C. Mitchell, G. Shemitz, P. Butt, and M. Kaunert. 2012. Population Ecology of the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in a northern Florida river. Bulletin of the Florida Museum of Natural History 51(4):243-256.
Suarez, E., M.H. Kail, and G.R. Johnston. 2011. Natural history: Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis (Suwannee Cooter), Predation. Herpetological Review 42(3):423.