Dr Tigga Kingston

Assistant Professor

Kendra L Phelps

 

 

In general, I am interested in applied ecology and conservation biology, specifically pertaining to chiropteran species.  I am intrigued by how organisms within an ecosystem are influenced by their surrounding environment, and how natural or anthropogenic perturbations, such as habitat destruction and fragmentation, influence population and community dynamics.  How do organisms respond to environmental and biological stressors, and what effect will this have on the ecosystem as a whole?  These questions must be answered before conservation strategies can  be formulated to maintain viable populations of imperiled species.  Additionally, I am interested in natural history studies, particularly the collection of baseline information for species of which previously little is known.  Often, these species are most negatively influenced by human actions; therefore, basic knowledge is needed to prevent species loss.

My past research experience includes using mark-recapture techniques to determine the population and community level effects of heavy metal contamination on small mammal assemblages inhabiting a superfund site, monitoring the status of a newly established population of black bears (Ursus americanus) at the southern periphery of the species’ range, statewide mammalian surveys to update state agencies regarding current distributions, and numerous cave-roosting chiropteran surveys.

Education:

A.S.         2000        Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa

B.S.         2003        Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

M.S.         2006        Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

                                  Thesis title:  Ecological characteristics of small mammal communities inhabiting

         Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma

 

E-mail: : kendra.phelps@ttu.edu

Phone: 806 472 2737

PhD student

Personal web page:

Dr Tigga Kingston

Assistant Professor