Principal Investigator
Timothy Clay, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Post-Doctoral Scholar Transcriptomics, University of Tulsa (2018)
Advisor: Dr. Ronald Bonett
Ph.D. Applied Biosciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2016)
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gifford
M.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences, Nicholls State University (2009)
Advisor: Dr. Quenton Fontenot
B.S. Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County (2004)
Advisor: Dr. Kevin Omland
My research interests are very broad and my philosophy is very much centered around asking interesting questions through a scientific approach. It just so happens that ectotherms (mainly amphibians and reptiles) are very amenable to this approach and are a group of organisms that peak my interest. I have a varied research background that includes both observational and manipulative experiments that explores aspects of ecology, physiology, genetics, and evolution.
Assistant Professor
Post-Doctoral Scholar Transcriptomics, University of Tulsa (2018)
Advisor: Dr. Ronald Bonett
Ph.D. Applied Biosciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2016)
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gifford
M.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences, Nicholls State University (2009)
Advisor: Dr. Quenton Fontenot
B.S. Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County (2004)
Advisor: Dr. Kevin Omland
My research interests are very broad and my philosophy is very much centered around asking interesting questions through a scientific approach. It just so happens that ectotherms (mainly amphibians and reptiles) are very amenable to this approach and are a group of organisms that peak my interest. I have a varied research background that includes both observational and manipulative experiments that explores aspects of ecology, physiology, genetics, and evolution.
Current Graduate Students
Claire Boudreaux - Spring 2022
B.S. Biology, Nicholls State University (2021)
I initially started my undergraduate studies with the intention of pursuing a bachelor’s in Pre-veterinary Medicine, but, after dipping my feet into the clinical realm, I realized that my passions lay elsewhere. Joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab at that time allowed me to meet like-minded individuals and explore other avenues in biology. Now, I am excited to be studying nesting ecology and population demographics of Diamondback Terrapin in my home state!
B.S. Biology, Nicholls State University (2021)
I initially started my undergraduate studies with the intention of pursuing a bachelor’s in Pre-veterinary Medicine, but, after dipping my feet into the clinical realm, I realized that my passions lay elsewhere. Joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab at that time allowed me to meet like-minded individuals and explore other avenues in biology. Now, I am excited to be studying nesting ecology and population demographics of Diamondback Terrapin in my home state!
Samantha Pieper - Fall 2023
B.S. Biology - Carroll University (2023)
I started my undergraduate work at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin with the intent of getting a bachelor’s in biology and going on to graduate school for physical therapy. After working with my professors and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) on various projects including freshwater mussel surveys, ecosystem restoration, and prescribed burns, I realized that my career interests were focused on field biology and not medicine. My main research interests are in population ecology, ecological restoration, invasive species, and population genetics. I am excited to be putting my knowledge and curiosity to use studying the thermal tolerance of the invasive Apple Snail (Pomacea maculata) to see if they will be able to move further north with climate change.
B.S. Biology - Carroll University (2023)
I started my undergraduate work at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin with the intent of getting a bachelor’s in biology and going on to graduate school for physical therapy. After working with my professors and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) on various projects including freshwater mussel surveys, ecosystem restoration, and prescribed burns, I realized that my career interests were focused on field biology and not medicine. My main research interests are in population ecology, ecological restoration, invasive species, and population genetics. I am excited to be putting my knowledge and curiosity to use studying the thermal tolerance of the invasive Apple Snail (Pomacea maculata) to see if they will be able to move further north with climate change.
Shelby Truckenbrod - Spring 2022
B.S. Wildlife Ecology & Management, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (2021)
My interest in herpetology began during my childhood summers spent catching frogs, snakes, and other herpetofauna in northern Illinois. Prior to joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab, I worked many field positions researching the spatial ecology, population demographics, and conservation strategies for various herpetofauna (primarily turtles!). For my thesis research, I'll be studying the movement and habitat use of Diamondback Terrapins on the Louisiana coast using automated radio telemetry.
B.S. Wildlife Ecology & Management, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (2021)
My interest in herpetology began during my childhood summers spent catching frogs, snakes, and other herpetofauna in northern Illinois. Prior to joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab, I worked many field positions researching the spatial ecology, population demographics, and conservation strategies for various herpetofauna (primarily turtles!). For my thesis research, I'll be studying the movement and habitat use of Diamondback Terrapins on the Louisiana coast using automated radio telemetry.
Current Undergraduate Students
Lucas Futey - Fall 2022
I am an undergraduate student currently pursuing my B.S. in Marine Biology at Nicholls State University and am originally from New Mexico. I am very passionate about herpetology, more specifically snake conservation and ecology. The research I am currently conducting with the Nicholls Herpetology Lab involves a long-term biodiversity estimate at the Nicholls Farm. I have been surveying the local herpetofauna by using artificial cover objects. My research focuses on the seasonal and yearly patterns of the herpetofauna to better understand the impacts of environmental perturbations. My other interests at Nicholls State include being an active member of the cross country and track team.
I am an undergraduate student currently pursuing my B.S. in Marine Biology at Nicholls State University and am originally from New Mexico. I am very passionate about herpetology, more specifically snake conservation and ecology. The research I am currently conducting with the Nicholls Herpetology Lab involves a long-term biodiversity estimate at the Nicholls Farm. I have been surveying the local herpetofauna by using artificial cover objects. My research focuses on the seasonal and yearly patterns of the herpetofauna to better understand the impacts of environmental perturbations. My other interests at Nicholls State include being an active member of the cross country and track team.
Gabriel White - Summer 2023
I am an undergraduate working towards a B.S. in Environmental Biology. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how the different plants and animals in an ecosystem coexist and depend on each other. I enjoy gardening, terrarium building, various crafts and collections, and practicing identifying all forms of life. I do very amateur wildlife photography to document and share the interesting things I learn about.
I am an undergraduate working towards a B.S. in Environmental Biology. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how the different plants and animals in an ecosystem coexist and depend on each other. I enjoy gardening, terrarium building, various crafts and collections, and practicing identifying all forms of life. I do very amateur wildlife photography to document and share the interesting things I learn about.
Former Graduate Students
Alex Alterman - Graduated MS Fall 2021
B.S. Zoology, University of Maine (2015)
My research interests typically gravitate towards population and spatial ecology projects within the herpetology field, which have led me to my Graduate position within the Nicholls Herpetology Lab. For my master’s thesis, I am studying the box turtle population within the isolated coastal forest on Grand Isle, LA. These research efforts mark the start of the first long-term study of box turtles within the state, providing critical baseline data on the dynamics of this population and their habitat use. I often spend my down time reading in my hammock, or hanging out with the other Nicholls graduate students doing a variety of different activities.
B.S. Zoology, University of Maine (2015)
My research interests typically gravitate towards population and spatial ecology projects within the herpetology field, which have led me to my Graduate position within the Nicholls Herpetology Lab. For my master’s thesis, I am studying the box turtle population within the isolated coastal forest on Grand Isle, LA. These research efforts mark the start of the first long-term study of box turtles within the state, providing critical baseline data on the dynamics of this population and their habitat use. I often spend my down time reading in my hammock, or hanging out with the other Nicholls graduate students doing a variety of different activities.
Katie Gray - Graduated MS Fall 2021
B.A. Environmental Studies and Writing, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (2016)
I am an aspiring conservationist hailing from Warren, Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest. I have held several seasonal technician positions with the U.S. Forest Service, Student Conservation Association, and IUP before commencing my graduate studies at Nicholls. My thesis research focuses on collecting baseline morphological and population dynamics data that will support a long-term mark-recapture study of Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations in coastal Louisiana. My interests include herpetofauna, aquatic ecology, endangered species conservation, and ecological restoration.
B.A. Environmental Studies and Writing, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (2016)
I am an aspiring conservationist hailing from Warren, Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest. I have held several seasonal technician positions with the U.S. Forest Service, Student Conservation Association, and IUP before commencing my graduate studies at Nicholls. My thesis research focuses on collecting baseline morphological and population dynamics data that will support a long-term mark-recapture study of Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations in coastal Louisiana. My interests include herpetofauna, aquatic ecology, endangered species conservation, and ecological restoration.
Former Undergraduate Students
Hailey Tant - Graduated BS Spring 2023
I am an undergraduate student from Metairie pursuing a bachelor’s in Science with a Pre-Veterinary concentration at Nicholls State University. I have always wanted to attend Veterinary school to specialize in large or small animals, but amphibians and reptiles have always held a special place in my heart. By joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab, I have been able to work with apple snails. The goal of my research is to measure apple snails at 20°C and 25°C to determine how temperature affects their size and survivability.
I am an undergraduate student from Metairie pursuing a bachelor’s in Science with a Pre-Veterinary concentration at Nicholls State University. I have always wanted to attend Veterinary school to specialize in large or small animals, but amphibians and reptiles have always held a special place in my heart. By joining the Nicholls Herpetology Lab, I have been able to work with apple snails. The goal of my research is to measure apple snails at 20°C and 25°C to determine how temperature affects their size and survivability.
Claire Boudreaux - Graduated BS Fall 2021
I am a Thibodaux native pursuing my B.S. in Biology here at Nicholls. I love my state and enjoy learning about our local ecosystems and diverse fauna. I am currently conducting a survey of herpetofauna at the Nicholls Farm using artificial cover objects (ACOs). The goal of my research is to collect a record of resident species and analyze cyclical patterns of richness and abundance. My other interests include animal husbandry, species conservation, and wildlife education.
I am a Thibodaux native pursuing my B.S. in Biology here at Nicholls. I love my state and enjoy learning about our local ecosystems and diverse fauna. I am currently conducting a survey of herpetofauna at the Nicholls Farm using artificial cover objects (ACOs). The goal of my research is to collect a record of resident species and analyze cyclical patterns of richness and abundance. My other interests include animal husbandry, species conservation, and wildlife education.