Dr. Frederic Zaidan III
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Department of Biology
(956) 665- 3251
Email: [email protected]
EDUCATION
PhD, The University of Arkansas, 2001
Major: Biology
Dissertation Title: Geographic physiological variation and northern range limits in the
cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma)
MS, The University of Mississippi, 1996
Major: Biology
Dissertation Title: Heat source preferences of juvenile timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus
horridus) and cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
BA, Princeton University, 1993
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Dissertation Title: Intestinal dissacharidase activity in the northern leopard frog (Rana
pipiens)
EMPLOYMENT
Department Chairperson, (January 2013)
Assistant Department Chair of Biology, (August 2012 - December 2012)
PUBLICATIONS
Journal Articles
S Beaupre and Frederic Zaidan. Digestive performance in the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus
horridus) with reference to temperature dependence and bioenergetic cost of growth. Journal of
Herpetology. 46, no. 4 (2012): 637-642.
Kristen Phillips, Frederic Zaidan, Omar Elizondo, and Kristine Lowe. Phenotypic characterization
and 16S rDNA identification of culturable non-obligate halophilic bacterial communities from a
hypersaline lake, La Sal del Rey, in extreme South Texas (USA). Aquatic biosystems. 8, no. 5
(2012): 1–11.
K Phillips, Frederic Zaidan, O Elizondo, and K Lowe. Phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA
identification of culturable, non-obligate, halophilic bacterial communities from a hypersaline lake,
La Sal del Rey, in extreme South Texas (USA). Aquatic Biosystems. 8, no. 5 (2012)
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J Cantu Martinez, E Quintero, Frederic Zaidan, and C Harrison. Geographic Distribution: Nerodia
erythrogaster transversa. Herpetological Review. 42, no. 3 (2011): 395.
G Martinez Jr., E Quintero, J Cantu Martinez, and Frederic Zaidan. Geographic Distribution:
Coniophanes i. imperialis. Herpetological Review. 41, no. 3 (2010): 379.
J Merino, L Baines, and Frederic Zaidan. Geographic Distribution: Ramphotyphlops braminus.
Herpetological Review. 40, no. 3 (2009): 366.
J Ortega and Frederic Zaidan. Observations of flotsam entrapment in the diamondback water snake
(Nerodia r. rhombifer). Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 4, no. 2 (2009): 270-276.
H Lillywhite, C Sheehy III, and Frederic Zaidan. Scavenging by a pitviper at the intertidal:
Evolutionary scenario for invasion of the sea. BioScience. 58, no. 10 (2008): 947-955.
Frederic Zaidan and P Weibusch. Effects of temperature and light on background color matching in
Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus). Texas Journal of Science. 59, no. 2 (2007): 127-136.
Estela Escalera, D Saenz, and Frederic Zaidan. Geographic distribution. Leptodeira septentrionalis
septentrionalis. Herpetological Review. 38, no. 4 (2007): 487.
N Gomez, M Acosta, Frederic Zaidan, and H Lillywhite. Wiping behavior, skin resistance, and the
metabolic response to dehydration in the arboreal frog Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis. Physiological
and Biochemical Zoology. 79, no. 6 (2006): 1058-1068.
J Hill III, Frederic Zaidan, S Beaupre, and C Montgomery. Geographic distribution. Agkistrodon
piscivorus leucostoma. Herpetological Review. 36, no. 1 (2005): 81.
H Lillywhite, N Gomez, M Acosta, and Frederic Zaidan. Metabolic response to water-conserving
posture in a "waterproof" frog. Faseb Journal. A, (2005): 1651-52.
J Cavazos and Frederic Zaidan. Geographic distribution. Lampropeltis triangulum. Herpetological
Review. 35, no. 3 (2004): 292.
J Cavazos and Frederic Zaidan. Geographic distribution. Tantilla gracilis. Herpetological Review.
35, no. 3 (2004): 294.
Frederic Zaidan and S Beaupre. Effects of body mass, meal size, fast length, and temperature on
specific dynamic action in the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Physiological and Biochemical
Zoology. 76, no. 4 (2003): 447-458.
H Lillywhite and Frederic Zaidan. Mutualism between birds and snakes at Seahorse Key, Florida.
Integrative and Comparative Biology. 43, no. 6 (2003): 1002.
H Lillywhite and Frederic Zaidan. Snakes and islands: Novel systems integrating physiology and
behavior. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. 134A, no. S (2003): 126-127.
Frederic Zaidan, D Kreider, and S Beaupre. Testosterone cycles and reproductive energetics:
Implications for northern range limits of the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma).
Copeia. 2003, no. 2 (2003): 231-240.
Frederic Zaidan. Variation in cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) resting metabolic
rates. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. 134A, no. 3 (2003): 511-523.
S Beaupre and Frederic Zaidan. Scaling of CO2 production in the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus
horridus), with comments on cost of growth in neonates and comparative patterns. Physiological and
Biochemical Zoology. 74, no. 5 (2001): 757-768.
Frederic Zaidan. Western cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) sexual dimorphism and
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dichromatism in Northwestern Arkansas. Herpetological Review. 8, no. 1 (2001): 77-80.
Frederic Zaidan. Energetics of iteroparity and "functional" semelparity: Resisting metabolism in the
scorpions Centuroides vittatus and C. gracilis.
Frederic Zaidan. Heat source preferences of juvenile Crotalus horridus and Agkistrodon piscivorus.
S Beaupre and Frederic Zaidan. Metabolic costs of pregnancy in timber rattlesnakes.
H Lillywhite, Frederic Zaidan, and C Sheehy III. Snakes and Islands: A review.
S Beaupre, J Agugliaro, J Van Dyke, and Frederic Zaidan. Annual energy budgets of the Timber
Rattlesnake: Advancements, refinements, and open questions. Biology of the Rattlesnakes.
Frederic Zaidan, V Zuniga, and M Cano. Preferred body temperatures in emperor scorpions
(Pandinus imperator). Journal of Arachnology.
Periodicals
Frederic Zaidan. Research on Diamondback water snakes. Newsletter of the Edinburg Scenic
Wetlands. 2, no. 3 (2005): 3.
Under Submission
Journal Articles
Frederic Zaidan, V Zuniga, and M Cano. Preferred body temperatures in emperor scorpions
(Pandinus imperator). Journal of Arachnology.
Media Contributions
TV
Channel 5 News. (April 01, 2013)
Channel 23 News. (April 01, 2013)
Channel 5 News. (January 13, 2005)
AWARDS AND HONORS
Dean's Award for Service, College of Science and Mathematics, The University of Texas-Pan
American (2012)
Provost's Award for Latin American Studies, The University of Texas-Pan American (April 4, 2007)
Aubrey Harvey Award for Graduate Student Research, Sigma Xi, University of Arkansas Chapter
(2002)
The David Causey Prize , The University of Arkansas (2001)
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, The University of Arkansas (2000)
David Causey Grant-In-Aid Award, The University of Arkansas (1999)
Graduate Student Achievement Award, The University of Mississippi (1996)
PRESENTATIONS
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Frederic Zaidan, D Lazcano, M Borja, and A Zugasti. "Testosterone cycles in the Rock Rattlesnake
(Crotalus lepidus morulus) of Nuevo Leon, Mexico." American Society of Ichthyologists and
Herpetologists, Herpetologists' League, and Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Joint
Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM. (July 2013)
Frederic Zaidan. "Scorpions of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Evening with a Naturalist, Edinburg
Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg, TX. (May 2013)
Frederic Zaidan. "Range limits in subtropical herpetofauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Texas
Master Naturalists, Mission, TX. (February 2012)
Frederic Zaidan, J Cantu, and Teresa Feria Arroyo. "Geographic range limiting mechanisms in
subtropical herpetofauna." Center for Subtropical Studies First Conference in Subtropical Biology,
(January 2012)
Hudson Deyoe, J. Andrew McDonald, Robert Edwards, Timothy Brush, Frank Judd, Frederic
Zaidan, B Fredensborg, and D Hicks. "Invasive species of the Rio Grande Valley: an Overview."
Center for Subtropical Studies First Conference in Subtropical Biology, (January 2012)
J Cantu, Teresa Feria Arroyo, and Frederic Zaidan. "The effects of climate change on the
distribution of the Taylor's (ornate) cantil Agkistrodon taylori." Annual Meeting of the Ecological
Society of America, Austin, TX. (August 2011)
S Beaupre, J Agugliari, J Van Dyke, and Frederic Zaidan. "Annual energy budgets of the Timber
Rattlesnake: Advancements, refinements, and open questions." Biology of the Rattlesnakes
Symposium, Tucson, AZ. (July 2011)
Frederic Zaidan. "Snakes," Little Gym , (June 2011)
Frederic Zaidan. "Snakes," St. Joseph Catholic School, (April 2011)
Frederic Zaidan. "Rear-fanged snakes: the other venomous in the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Quinta
Mazatlan World Birding Center, McAllen, TX. (January 2011)
Frederic Zaidan. "Fossorial snakes of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Texas Master Naturalists,
Harlingen, TX. (June 2010)
J Valdez, Y Hinojosa, T Muniz, and Frederic Zaidan. "Does thermal variation translate into variation
in growth?: A test using Nerodia rhombifer as a model," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan
American, Edinburg, TX. (September 2009)
Frederic Zaidan. "Fossorial snakes of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Evening with a Naturalist,
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg, TX. (August 2009)
S Beaupre and Frederic Zaidan. "On estimating the cost of growth in the Timber Rattlesnake
(Crotalus horridus): Feeding trials, field metabolism, and the role of SDA." American Society of
Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Herpetologists' League, and Society for the Study of Amphibians
and Reptiles Joint Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. (July 2009)
J Valdez, Y Hinojosa, T Muniz, and Frederic Zaidan. "Does thermal variation translate into variation
in growth?: A test using Nerodia rhombifer as a model." ASIH, HL and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting,
Portland, OR. (July 2009)
Frederic Zaidan. "Valley Snakes," Third Thursday Creature Feature, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley
State Park, Mission, TX. (July 2009)
Frederic Zaidan. "Scorpions of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Evening with a Naturalist, Edinburg
Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg, TX. (April 2009)
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T Muniz and Frederic Zaidan. "The effects of soil moisture on the thermal preference of Couch's
Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus couchii)," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX.
(September 2008)
C Salinas and Frederic Zaidan. "The influence of environmental factors on the activity and
movement of Bufo nebulifer (coastal plain toad) in a disturbed area," HESTEC, University of
Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (September 2008)
Frederic Zaidan. "Unique herpetofauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," Evening with a Naturalist,
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission, TX. (August 2008)
Frederic Zaidan and H Lillywhite. "Ecophysiological research on cottonmouths: Model species and
special cases." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (July 2008)
Frederic Zaidan, J Cordoba, and E Sanchez. "Osmoregulation and salinity stress in Nerodia
rhombifer." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (July 2008)
I Cortez, Frederic Zaidan, and Kristine Lowe. "High densities of Gram-positive bacterial populations
inhabit hemolytic snake venom but do not display colony, cellular, or biochemical variation." Texas
Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX. (March 2008)
V Zuniga, M Cano, and Frederic Zaidan. "Preferred body temperatures in emperor scorpions
(Pandinus imperator)," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (September
2007)
V Zuniga, M Cano, and Frederic Zaidan. "Preferred body temperatures in emporor scorpions
(Pandinus imperator)," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (September
2007)
T Muniz and Frederic Zaidan. "Selection of preferred subterranean conditions in Scaphiopus
couchii," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (September 2007)
Frederic Zaidan, J de Leon, and J Ortega. "Natural history in an unnatural setting: Diamondback
water snakes in deep south Texas." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO.
(July 2007)
Frederic Zaidan. "Natual history of semi-aquatic snakes in South Texas, USA," National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan. (June 2007)
Frederic Zaidan. "Water Snakes." Coastal Expo, Edinburg, TX. (February 2007)
Frederic Zaidan and David Lazcano. "Los ciclos de testosterona en la cascabel de las rocas (Crotalus
lepidus morulus) de Nuevo Leon, Mexico," IX Reunion Nacional de Herpetologia , Sociedad
Herpetologica Mexicana, A.C, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. (November 2006)
Frederic Zaidan. "Utilizando herramientas fisiologicas para contestar preguntas ecologicas:
Mecanismos de limitacion de territorio y viboras Mexicanas." IX Reunion Nacional de Herpetologia
(Sociedad Herpetologica Mexicana, A. C.), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. (November 2006)
J Ortega and Frederic Zaidan. "Flotsam and the diamondback water snake Nerodia r. rhombifer,"
HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (September 2006)
J Ortega and Frederic Zaidan. "Flotsam and the diamondback water snake Nerodia r. rhombifer."
ASIH, HL, and SSAR Annual Joint Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (July 2006)
Frederic Zaidan. "Foraging behavior and prey capture in pit vipers," Quinta Mazatlan World Birding
Center, McAllen, TX. (June 2006)
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Frederic Zaidan. "Water snakes in coastal deep south Texas." Coastal Expo, Edinburg, TX. (April
2006)
J Lopez and Frederic Zaidan. "Feeding preferences of Aplysia californica and Aplysia brasiliana at
different developmental stages." Texas Bays and Estuaries Meeting, Port Aransas, TX. (April 2006)
Frederic Zaidan. "Amphibians and Reptiles," Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, McAllen, TX.
(March 2006)
Frederic Zaidan. "Biology of Pit-Vipers," Evening with a Naturalist, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands,
Edinburg, TX. (January 2006)
O Elizondo, Frederic Zaidan, and Kristine Lowe. "Microbial communities associated with venom
and oral cavities of western diamonback rattlesnakes," HESTEC, University of Texas-Pan American,
Edinburg, TX. (September 2005)
Frederic Zaidan. "Diamondback water snakes in South Texas," Evening with a Naturalist, Edinburg
Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg, TX. (August 2005)
C Sheehy III, Frederic Zaidan, and H Lillywhite. "Spatial ecology and resource use by Florida
cottonmouth snakes: Variation on a single island." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Annual Joint Meeting,
Tampa, FL. (July 2005)
P Weibusch and Frederic Zaidan. "Effects of temperature and light on background color matching in
Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus)." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting,
Tampa, FL. (July 2005)
H Lillywhite, Frederic Zaidan, and C Sheehy III. "Marine scavenging by insular cottonmouth
snakes: Evolutionary scenario for invasion of the sea." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting,
Tampa, FL. (July 2005)
H Lillywhite, N Gomez, M Acosta, and Frederic Zaidan. "Metabolic response to water-conserving
posture in a "waterproof" frog." 35th International Congress of Physiological Sciences, San Diego,
CA. (April 2005)
Frederic Zaidan. "Herpetology as a Career," Career Day, Montessori School, Edinburg, TX. (April
2005)
P Weibush and Frederic Zaidan. "Effectors of color change in Mediterranean Geckos (Hemidactylus
turcicus)." Texas Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Edinburg, TX. (March 2005)
Frederic Zaidan. "Herpetology and the snakes of South Texas," University of Texas-Pan American,
Edinburg, TX. (February 2005)
Frederic Zaidan. "Amphibians and Reptiles of South Texas," Texas Master Naturalists, Edinburg
Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg, TX. (February 2005)
Frederic Zaidan. "Snakes of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," University Jump-Start Program,
University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX. (June 2004)
H Lillywhite and Frederic Zaidan. "Trophic interactions, climate, and interdependence of birds and
pit vipers on Gulf Coast islands." ASIH, HL, and SSAR Joint Annual Meeting, Norman, OK. (May
2004)
H Lillywhite and Frederic Zaidan. "Physiological ecology of pit vipers on Gulf Coast Islands."
Snake Ecology Group, Fourth Meeting, Carbondale, IL. (May 2004)
H Lillywhite and Frederic Zaidan. "Mutualism between birds and snakes at Seahorse Key, Florida."
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Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (January 2004)
TEACHING
Courses Taught
Adv Eco Phys of Animals
Advanced Herpetology
Advanced Topics I
Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Bioenergetics
Biol Research Problems
Biological Writing
Biology Graduate Semnar
Biology Internship
Biology Problems
Biology Problems I
Biology Problems II
Biology Seminar
Comp Vert Anatomy
Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Eco Physiology Of Animal
Ecological Physiology
Ecology
General Biology
Graduate Research
Herpetology
Research Problems in Biology
Thesis
Thesis I
Thesis II
Thesis Proposal
Directed Student Learning
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Master's Thesis Committee Member. Roxette Platas,
• HHMI Undergraduate Research Advisor "Tarantulas and narrowmouth toads" (July 2013)
• LSAMP Undergraduate Research Advisor "**to be determined**" (May 2013)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Gaby Tamez, "Alligator distribution in the Lower Rio Grande
Valley" (January 2012)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Mayra Oyervides, "Effects of climate change on the distribution
of 12 endemic and endangered skinks (Genus: Plestiodon) of Mexico" (January 2012)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Tony Villarreal, "Non-thesis" (June 2011)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Marilee Hinojosa, "Digestive Performance in softshell turtles
(Apalone spinifera)" (October 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Jose Manuel Cantu, "Effect of habitat enrichment on
coticosterone levels in snakes" (January 2011 - August 2013)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Water snake phermones" (May 2012 - May 2013)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Water snake phermones" (May 2012 - May 2013)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Water snake phermones" (May 2012 - January 2013)
• STRIDES Research Advisor "Thermal biology of hissing cockroaches" (June 2012 - July 2012)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Jerry Fuentes, (June 2007 - June 2012)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Growth rates in Nerodia rhombifer" (May 2011 - May 2012)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Ecology of Tantilla" (March 2009 - May 2012)
• HHMI Undergraduate Research Advisor "Salt stress and reproductive hormones in Nerodia
rhombifer" (May 2010 - July 2011)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jose M. Cantu, "Physiological stress response to habitat
enrichment in snakes" (January 2011 - May 2011)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Joni Swanson, "Non-thesis" (August 2009 - May 2011)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Estela Escalera, "Soil preferences and burrowing behavior in
tarantulas (Aphonopelma sp)" (January 2008 - January 2011)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Physiological stress in captive snakes" (March 2009 December 2010)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Thermal biology of hissing cockroaches" (September 2008 August 2010)
• NSF REU Undergraduate Research Advisor "Osmoregulatory stress in Nerodia rhombifer" (July
2009 - June 2010)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Gilbert Martinez, "Snake stress" (January 2010 - May 2010)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Joni Swanson, "Thermal performance in an introduced slug
species" (January 2010 - May 2010)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis. Branyan Garcia, "Thermal biology of hissing cockroaches"
(September 2008 - May 2010)
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Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Crystal Salinas, "Home ranges, movements, and activity effectors
in Bufo nebulifer" (January 2008 - July 2009)
• NSF REU Undergraduate Research Advisor "Spring performance in Sceloporus olivaceus" (July
2008 - June 2009)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jennifer Bagley, "Microbial susceptibility in Nerodia
rhombifer" (January 2009 - May 2009)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Effects of microbial infections on water snake performance"
(March 2008 - May 2009)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Jose Martinez, (August 2007 - May 2009)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Microbial communities in rattlesnake venom" (February 2007 May 2009)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Bret Welch, "Morphological variation and sexual dimorphism
in Crotalus lepidus (Rock Rattlesnake) subspecies" (January 2007 - May 2009)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Joana Cordoba, "Salinity stress in Nerodia rhombifer" (December
2005 - May 2009)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Estela Escalera, "Bacterial communities on tarantulas
(Aphonopelma sp.)" (August 2008 - December 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Chris Gracia, "Non-thesis" (January 2008 - August 2008)
• NSF REU Undergraduate Research Advisor "Subterranean thermal preferences of spadefoot toads
(Scaphiopus couchii) in relation to soil moisture" (July 2007 - August 2008)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Thermal preferences in cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus)"
(May 2008 - July 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Lupe Medina, (March 2007 - July 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Sandra Espinoza, "Latency modulation of spiny lobster defense
behavior" (August 2005 - July 2008)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jessena Valdez, "Sprint performance in Sceloporus
olivaceus" (January 2008 - May 2008)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jessena Valdez, "Does thermal variation translate into
variation in growth? A test using Nerodia rhombifer as a model" (January 2008 - May 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Adrian Gonzalez, "Non-thesis" (November 2005 - May 2008)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Crystal Salinas, "A survey of the bat fauna in the four lower
counties of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas" (January 2004 - January 2008)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Dee Dee Hinojosa, "Does thermal variation translate into
variation in growth? A test using Nerodia rhombifer as a model" (August 2007 - December 2007)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Estela Escalera, "Ecology of Pituophis catenifer" (August
2007 - December 2007)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jessena Valdez, "Preferred body temperatures in striped bark
scorpions (Centuroides vittatus)" (August 2007 - December 2007)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Adrian Gonzalez, "Postprandial thermophily in Rana
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berlandieri" (July 2007 - August 2007)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Joana Cordoba, "Salinity discrimination abilities of Nerodia
rhombifer" (July 2007 - August 2007)
• HHMI Undergraduate Research Advisor "Aquatic thermoregulation and salt relations in
cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and diamondback water snakes (Nerodia rhombifer)"
(August 2006 - August 2007)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Microbial communities in water snakes living in treated sewage
effluent" (June 2006 - August 2007)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Radiotelemtry in diamondback water snakes (Nerodia
rhombifer)" (January 2006 - August 2007)
Master's Thesis Committee Chair. Jason Ortega, "Essential nutrients and their effects on snake
growth and post-hatching development" (August 2004 - July 2007)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis. Gina Foreman, "Microbial communities on keyboards at UTPA"
(June 2006 - May 2007)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis. Alan Brown, "Metabolic rates in crustaceans" (October 2005 - May
2007)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Monica Cano, "Osmoregulation in cottonmouths
(Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) and diamondback water snakes (Nerodia r. rhombifer)"
(August 2006 - December 2006)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Energy allocations to reproduction in the parthenogenetic
cockroach Pycnoscelus surinamensis" (January 2006 - May 2006)
Master's Thesis Committee Member. Veronica Garz, "Nucleolar dominance in hybrids of Boophilus
microplus and Boophilus annulatus" (November 2005 - May 2006)
• LSAMP Undergraduate Research Advisor "Effects of ingested testosterone on circulating
testosterone levels in snakes" (September 2005 - May 2006)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jason Ortega, "Effects of temperature and venom on western
diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)protein extraction efficiencies; Habitat use, home range,
and body temperatures in diamondback water snakes (Nerodia rhombifer) in an urban habitat"
(August 2004 - January 2006)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Jackie Cavazos, "Radio telemetry in diamondback water
snakes (Nerodia rhombifer)" (August 2005 - December 2005)
• HHMI Undergraduate Research Advisor "Food preferences in sea slugs (Aplysia)" (October 2004
- December 2005)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Sergio Saenz, "Habitat use, home range, and body
temperatures in diamondback water snakes (Nerodia rhombifer) in an urban habitat" (May 2005 July 2005)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Joann Giudici, "Habitat mapping and categorization in a
man-made pond" (May 2005 - June 2005)
Directed Individual/Independent Study. Christina Gracia, "Effects of temperature and venom on
western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) digestive efficiencies" (August 2004 - June 2005)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis. Yajaira Rodriquez, "Effects of serotonin and octopamine in mud
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shrimp" (December 2004 - May 2005)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Metabolic rates in sand crabs" (June 2004 - May 2005)
• Undergraduate Research Advisor "Effectors of coloration in Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus
turcicus)" (December 2003 - December 2004)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis. Nisha Varghese, "Evolutionary significance of escape behavior in
spiny lobsters (Palinurus argus)" (December 2003 - May 2004)
SERVICE
Department Service
Committee Member, Biology Journal Club. ( 2004)
Committee Chair, Lab Coordinator Advisory. ( 2003)
Committee Chair, Search. (2011 - 2013)
Committee Member, Tenure and Promotion. (2009 - 2013)
Committee Member, Space. (2007 - 2013)
Committee Member, Excellence Award. (2004 - 2013)
Committee Member, Annual Evaluation (Merit). (2003 - 2013)
Committee Chair, Department Handbook Revision. (2003 - 2013)
Committee Member, Equipment (HEAF). (2003 - 2013)
Committee Chair, General Biology Text Adoption. (2003 - 2013)
Committee Member, Library. (2003 - 2013)
Committee Member, Outreach/Recruitment. (2003 - 2013)
Committee Member, Strategic Plan/Program Rev.. (2003 - 2013)
Committee Member, Ad hoc for TA/RA evaluations. (2007 - 2008)
Committee Member, Ad hoc Animal Research Facility. (2005 - 2006)
Committee Chair, Biology Journal Club. (2005 - 2006)
Committee Member, Ad hoc Department Chair Search. (2003 - 2004)
Committee Member, HESTEC BIOL Student Poster Session. (2003 - 2003)
College Service
Committee Member, College of Science and Mathematics Executive Council. (January 2013)
Committee Member, College of Science and Mathematics Executive Council Committee. (August
2012)
Committee Chair, College of Science and Mathematics College Council Committee. (September
2010 - February 2011)
Committee Member, College of Science and Mathematics Executive Council Committee.
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(September 2010 - February 2011)
Committee Member, College of Science and Engineering Academic Appeals Committee. (February
1, 2010 - February 28, 2010)
Other, College of Science and Engineering Facilities/ Space Committee. (February 2008 - August
2010)
Committee Member, College of Science and Engineering College Council Committee. (October
2005 - August 2010)
Committee Chair, College of Science and Mathematics Dean Search Committee. (February 2010 May 2010)
Committee Member, College of Science and Engineering Ad Hoc Reorganization Planning Team.
(October 2009 - May 2010)
Other, College of Science and Engineering. (May 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008)
Committee Member, College of Science and Engineering Academic Appeals Committee. (May 2008
- June 2008)
Other, College of Science and Engineering. (December 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006)
Other, College of Science and Engineering. (December 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005)
Other, College of Science and Engineering. (December 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003)
University Service
Other, UTPA CCSP. (April 2013)
Committee Member, UTPA Council of Chairs Executive Committee. (April 2013)
Committee Member, UTPA AALT. (January 2013)
Committee Member, UTPA Council of Chairs. (January 2013)
Committee Chair, UTPA-UTB Valley STARS Committee. (January 2013)
Committee Member, UTPA ADVANCE Internal Advisory Committee. (November 2012)
Committee Member, UTPA Undergraduate Research Conference Organizing Group. (February
2012)
Committee Chair, UTPA Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. (September 2009)
Committee Member, UTPA Institutional Radiation and Biosafety Committee. (September 2009)
Committee Member, UTPA Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. ( 2005)
Vice Chair, UTPA Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. (March 2008 - August 2009)
Attendee, Meeting, UT System IRB/IACUC Meeting. (May 14, 2007 - May 15, 2007)
Attendee, Meeting, UT System "Best Practices Meeting". (August 16, 2006 - August 16, 2006)
Task Force Member, University Taskforce on Faculty Workload and Standards. (August 2004 December 2004)
Development Activities Attended
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• Webinar, "The OLAW Annual Report: What you need to know," OLAW IACUC Staff Outreach
Program. (December 10, 2009 - December 10, 2009)
• Webinar, "What Every IACUC Should Know About AAALAC International," OLAW IACUC
Staff Outreach Program. (June 11, 2009 - June 11, 2009)
• Webinar, "Reporting Noncompliant Events to OLAW," OLAW IACUC Staff Outreach Program.
(March 5, 2009 - March 5, 2009)
• Webinar, "When Terms and Conditions are Not Met," OLAW IACUC Staff Outreach Program
Webinar. (December 4, 2008 - December 4, 2008)
• Webinar, "Freedom of Information Act Policies," OLAW IACUC Staff Outreach Program.
(September 18, 2008 - September 18, 2008)
• Webinar, "Preparing for Animal Rights Extremist Activities at Your Institution," OLAW IACUC.
(June 12, 2008 - June 12, 2008)
• Webinar, "Academic and Career Advising for Sophomores," NACADA. (March 28, 2007 - March
28, 2007)
• Webinar, "Components of a Successful Faculty Advising Program," NACADA. (February 22,
2007 - February 22, 2007)
• Webinar, "Strengths-Based Advising: Going Beyond Course Scheduling With Developmental
Advising," NACADA. (February 14, 2007 - February 14, 2007)
Professional Service
Committee Chair , Storer Award Committee for Herpetology, ASIH Meeting (July 2006)
Committee Chair , American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (2008 - 2013)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Herpetological Conservation and Biology (2008 - 2013)
Reviewer, Grant Proposal , Texas Academy of Science Student Research Award Competition
(February 2008 - February 2013)
Reviewer, Journal Article , American Midland Naturalist (2011 - 2012)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Biology of the Rattlesnakes II (2011 - 2012)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Journal of Herpetology (2005 - 2012)
Reviewer, Grant Proposal , Herpetologists League EE Williams Award for Physiology (March 1,
2011 - March 31, 2011)
Editor, Associate Editor , Journal of Herpetology (December 2005 - March 2011)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Behavioral Ecology (2009 - 2010)
Reviewer, Journal Article , The Herpetological Journal (2009 - 2010)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Animal Behaviour (2008 - 2009)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Journal of Thermal Biology (2008 - 2009)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology (2002 - 2009)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Journal of Zoology (2007 - 2008)
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Reviewer, Journal Article , Journal of Zoology (2007 - 2008)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Subtropical Plant Science Journal (2007 - 2008)
Officer, Vice President , Southeastern Division of the American Society of Ichthyologists and
Herpetologists (July 2007 - July 2008)
Other , American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (July 1, 2007 - July 31, 2007)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Molecular Ecology (2006 - 2007)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Copeia (2002 - 2007)
Officer, Secretary , Southeastern Division of the American Society of Icthyologists and
Herpetologists (July 2006 - July 2007)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Herpetologica (2003 - 2006)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Texas Journal of Science (2003 - 2006)
Program Organizer , Texas Academy of Science, Local Organizing Committee (2005 - 2005)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Herpetological Natural History (1999 - 2005)
Editor, Journal Editor , Herpetological Natural History (March 2004 - April 2005)
Editor, Associate Editor , Herpetological Natural History (July 2002 - February 2004)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Herpetological Review (2002 - 2002)
Reviewer, Journal Article , Physiological and Biochemical Zoology (2002 - 2002)
Professional Memberships
American Arachnological Society
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Herpetologist's League (HL)
Partnership in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Sigma Xi
Sociedad Herpetologica Mexicana
Society for the Integrative and Comparative Biology
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR)
Texas Academy of Science (TAS)
Center for Subtropical Studies (October 2003)
Public Service
• Judge , Fossum Middle School Science Fair . (January 1, 2013 - January 31, 2013)
• Judge , Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Science Fair . (April 1, 2008 - April 30, 2008)
• Judge , Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Science Fair . (April 1, 2007 - April 30, 2007)
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• Judge , Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Science Fair . (April 1, 2006 - April 30, 2006)
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