Research

                 

I am broadly interested in the ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.  My research interests focus on using a combination of field and laboratory methods to: 1) investigate habitat selection and use in both aquatic and terrestrial systems, 2) characterize amphibian and reptile mating systems, 3) examine the factors influencing amphibian malformations, and 4) measure population structure and inbreeding in threatened or endangered herpetofaunal species.  At present, my lab is involved with projects that include an investigation of population size, movement, and habitat use of endangered hellbenders in Indiana; examining the food habits, genetic diversity and population structure of eastern hellbenders; developing baseline hematological and blood chemistry panels for aquatic salamanders; and studying the effects of timber harvests on terrestrial salamanders.

If you are interested in joining my lab please check the "opportunities" tab for specific openings or contact me directly at rodw@purdue.edu.   I am always looking for highly motivated graduate and undergraduate students!

Current Projects

Title	Collaborator(s)
Movement, home range, and habitat use of eastern hellbenders in Indiana	N. Burgmeier, T. Sutton
Effects of timber harvests on terrestrial salamanders	R. Williams
Food habits, life-history, and genetics of eastern hellbenders	S. Unger, T. Sutton
MHC and amphibian malformations	J.A. DeWoody, Z. Bulut