Home

Davis Herpetology Lab at ENMU

The Davis Herpetology Lab at Eastern New Mexico University focuses on the applied ecology and conservation of North American amphibians and reptiles, particularly across the southwestern and midwestern United States. We have conducted studies involving emerging technologies (environmental DNA, drones), behavioral ecology, stress physiology, disease ecology, ecotoxicology, and natural history to gain a deeper insight into threats and challenges species and populations face, all with the goal of helping to conserve both species and critical habitat. In addition to field- and laboratory-based studies, my lab also utilizes museum collections and specimen-based research to further our understanding of topics concerning amphibian and reptile ecology and taxonomy, such as morphological studies, retrospective pathogen sampling, dietary studies, and examining community change through time. Studies understanding the distribution and ecology of non-native species has become a recent area of interest, particularly with non-native lizards.

RECRUITING: Please see below for current open positions and opportunities for future engagement in the Davis Herpetology Lab. Please e-mail me expressing your interest in getting involved.

  • Undergraduate/Post-Bac Technician: I will be recruiting one (possibly two) undergraduate/post-baccalaureate technicians to assist with field projects in New Mexico and Texas over Summer 2026 involving surveys for imperiled frogs, turtles, and snakes along the Pecos River in eastern New Mexico. Techniques include using acoustic surveys, trapping, and eDNA-based methods to survey for focal species. These efforts are associated with new or on-going research projects in my lab. More information is available here; open until filled