Lisa McDonald
I began the Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2003 after completing my M.S. at Central Michigan University. For my Master’s thesis, I surgically implanted temperature-sensitive radio transmitters into eastern hognose snakes and followed animals over the course of two years. The data I collected was used to describe the spatial ecology of this population and to model patterns of habitat use by these snakes at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Analysis of these data combined statistical modeling and GIS work. Because hognose snakes are likely declining throughout their range (at least in the northern portion), this research is ongoing as I continue to use the data I collected and museum records of historical hognose locations throughout Michigan to develop a predictive model. The goal of this model will be to provide some guidelines for beginning survey work for this extremely secretive and cryptic species. I am currently working with Jim on a toxicity project using American toads (Bufo americanus) to evaluate whether or not a response can be induced in this taxon by repeated expression of the parotid glands. Data collection has recently concluded and we are just beginning chemical analysis of the secretions. Although my prior research has focused on vertebrates, primarily herpetofauna, I am interested in many ecological and evolutionary questions. The long generation time and lifespan of vertebrates makes them a less than ideal group for answering many of these questions. For my dissertation work, I will be using arthropods to answer questions about the ecological and evolutionary significance of omnivory.