Sterrett Lab at Monmouth University
Wildlife Population Ecology, Conservation Biology and Herpetology

Triple Dog!

I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, where I received my B.S. degree in Biology from Butler University (Bulldog #1) in 2003. In 2004, I migrated to Southwest Georgia to pursue research opportunities at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway. There, I worked as a herpetology research technician and received training in all aspects of amphibian and reptile ecology -- and was lucky enough to do so in the magnificent longleaf pine ecosystem. In January of 2007, I started a masters program at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA (Bulldog #2) and studied southeastern riverine turtles. I focused on the effects of land use on river turtle communities and the spatial ecology of Barbour’s map turtle, which allowed me to answer some questions that arose during my initial stay at Ichauway. I continued work with freshwater turtles for my PhD (Bulldog #3) and focused my research on the ecological roles that freshwater turtles play in aquatic ecosystems with a focus on ecological stoichiometry and consumer-mediated nutrient cycling. While at UGA, I helped teach Animal Behavior and Herpetology and completed an interdisciplinary certificate in college teaching. I completed two postdoctoral research positions at the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I'm currently an assistant professor of wildlife ecology at Monmouth University, where I train undergraduates in herpetology and wildlife science. 

In my spare time, I spend time kayaking, biking, traveling and preparing all types of foods and drink, especially cheese, cider and beer.