Faculty Mentor: Dr. M. Scott Burt

Research Thesis: Diet Analysis of Missouri Bats

Research Description:

My research interests focus on the mammalian fauna of Missouri, and more specifically on the bat communities of Missouri.  My thesis work will analyze the bat community of an area in southeast Missouri.  Since all of Missouri’s bats are insectivorous, I will be assessing the insects in the area to determine what prey items are available to the bats.  Then I will net the bats and collect fecal samples, which I can then dissect and identify the insect parts in the feces.  This should allow me to make several inferences about bat diet and foraging behavior.  Other than my thesis work, I also work in the mammal museum for Dr. Burt, and I help with the venomous snakes in the herpetology lab.

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2005

Undergraduate Education: Truman State University, B.S. Biology, 2002

Why did you choose Truman? I chose Truman because I enjoyed being an undergrad here, and I like and respect the faculty I work with.  Overall the Science Division provides an excellent place to work and learn.

Hometown: Arnold, Missouri

Hobbies: Camping, Backpacking, Hunting, Fishing, anything Biology