Research

American Alligator Physiology

Our lab is studying the effects of saltwater on juvenile American alligator physiology. Alligators can be exposed to saltwater during storm surges from major storms and hurricanes, drought and anthropogenic activities that alter freshwater river flows. We are looking at effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), steroidogenesis and morphology.

Fish Physiology

Endocrinology

Cardiovascular Physiology

We study many physiological systems in our lab but the main focus is to understand how various environmental and anthropogenic stressors affect cardiovascular function in vertebrates. We study cardiovascular function at the organismal level and cardiac function at the organ level (isolated heart-picture on the left), receptor and genetic level. Current model organisms are American alligators and local Gulf of Mexico fish species.

Conservation Physiology

Using physiological end-points we aim to determine wild and captive animals' stress and health status. We use non-invasive sampling methods which entails evaluating hormone levels from samples obtained with minimal handling of the animal (e.g. water, feces, urine, saliva).

Animal Behavior

As an animal's physiology contributes to its behavior, we are frequently combining physiology studies with behavioral studies. We are using video recordings which are later analyzed using software such as Ethovision XT.