The Missouri Natural Resources Conference (MNRC) was held Feb. 3-5. This conference spans from aquatics to ecology to bats.

Several students presented their work. Underlined are the student authors who presented at the conference.

Oral Presentations

• “Accurately and Precisely Measuring Body Composition of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) with Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).” Authors: Brandon S. Tappmeyer (MSU Biology), Denise M. Thompson, Brian M. Fillmore, Kerry Graves, Dr. Day B. Ligon (MSU Biology)
• “The spatial ecology and microhabitat selection of the pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) in Southwestern Missouri.” Authors: Dylan Wallace Maag and Dr. Brian Greene (both MSU Biology)
• “Behavioral responses of cottonmouths to conspecific cloacal gland secretions.” Authors: Alex Meinders and Greene (both MSU Biology)
• “Fish Community Assemblages in the Ozarks of Southern Missouri.” Authors: Stephanie M. Sickler and Dr. Sean P. Maher (both MSU Biology)

Posters

• “Immune Function and Hibernation Energetics of Three North American Bat Species with White-Nose Syndrome.” Authors: Briana Anderson, Dr. Tom Tomasi, Dr. Christopher Lupfer (all MSU Biology)
• “The Impacts of a Low-Water Crossing on Fish Movement in an Ozark Stream.”  Authors: Jeff M. Williams (MSU Biology), Hope R. Dodd, Dr. Debra S. Finn (MSU Biology), Payton G. Lackman
• “Hypomelanism Rates in a Captive Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles.” Authors: Kristen E. Sardina (MSU Biology), Thompson, Rebecca Fillmore, Brian Fillmore, Graves, and Ligon (MSU Biology)
• “Lead concentrations in gravel bar vegetation in a contaminated river.” Authors: Jordan Heiman (MSU Biology), Indigo Tran, Dr. Bob Pavlowsky (MSU GGP), and Dr. La Toya Kissoon-Charles (MSU Biology)
• “The effects of prescribed burning on small mammal and ectoparasite communities in oak hickory forests.” Authors: Tyler J Remick and Maher (both MSU Biology)

• “Relationship between atrazine distribution in wetland sediments and aquatic plant communities.” Authors: Christine Cornish and Kissoon-Charles (both MSU Biology)
• “Motor Boat Injury Rates and Patterns in Aquatic Turtle Communities.” Authors: Ethan C. Hollender, Travis L. Anthony and Ligon (all MSU Biology)

Best Student poster

Jeff Williams, who presented his poster on the impacts of low-water crossings on fish movement, was awarded the best student poster from the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

“The field of natural resources is a very small community, and I was surprised by the amount of people who were already familiar with my research,” Williams said. “I made some great contacts and was fortunate enough to win the best student poster award in the aquatics competition.”

He was also recognized for his work on the MNRC planning committee.

“Jeff’s research with Dr. Deb Finn drew attention at this conference of fisheries professionals because it is an innovative way of assessing practical problems in fish conservation biology,” Dr. Alicia Mathis, department head of biology, said. “His preparation for a career in wildlife biology combines a solid academic background with hands-on experience with the National Park Service.”

Williams’ adviser is Dr. Deb Finn, assistant professor of biology.