Cons Sci Seminar - 10/17/25

Cons Sci Seminar

October 17, 2025

In person (preferred): 335 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul Campus, UMN

Remote access: https://umn.zoom.us/j/91587399054

Where is Waldo? Detecting rare species and amphibian disease in Minnesota

Dr. Jennifer Lamb

Associate Professor, St. Cloud State University

Abstract

Salamanders, turtles, and frogs, oh my! This seminar highlights ongoing conservation research from the Lamb Herpetology Lab at St. Cloud State University (www.amphibianatic.com). Our team uses a variety of approaches to study some of Minnesota’s rarest herpetofauna, from detecting elusive salamanders with environmental DNA, to monitoring Blanding’s Turtles with trail cameras, to tracking amphibian disease across the state. Undergraduate and graduate students, and external partners, play a central role in these projects, both in the field and in the lab. Join us for an inside look at how collaborative research is helping to better understand and protect Minnesota’s amphibians and reptiles.

Biosketch

Dr. Jennifer Y. Lamb (she, her) is an Associate Professor of Biology at St. Cloud State University, where she leads the Lamb Herpetology Lab. Her research integrates field ecology, molecular tools, and innovative imaging techniques to study amphibians and reptiles, with a focus on rare and declining species in Minnesota. Dr. Lamb has also contributed to the discovery and study of biofluorescence in salamanders and frogs, which has received national and international attention. She is passionate about mentoring undergraduate and graduate students through hands-on research experiences in the field and lab, and her work has been featured in scientific publications, popular science articles, and wildlife documentaries. Outside of her academic career, Dr. Lamb enjoys watching both good and bad sci-fi movies, exploring natural areas, and introducing her young son to the wonders of biodiversity.

Page updated

Report abuse