Physiological and Thermal Ecology of Ectothermic Vertebrates
William I. Lutterschmidt, Associate Professor, Director of the Sam Houston State Vertebrate Museum

My research focuses on the study of ectothermic vertebrates and their unique physiologies as they are influenced by temperature and other environmental factors. These studies have a central theme in comparative physiology in which behavioral and physiological responses and tolerances to temperature are investigated. I am currently working on species specific difference in temperature dependent physiological rate processes and how these differences may correlate with macroecological patterns of distribution among related species. REU projects will focus on using physiological techniques in both the field and laboratory in quantifying and evaluating the thermophilic benefits and consequences to a species thermally dependent behaviors and physiology.

For more information on this REU opportunity, please e-mail Dr. Lutterschmidt at lutterschmidt@shsu.edu.