Biology Seminar by Dr. Elizabeth Harper, '01: "Modeling the complex lives of pond-breeding amphibians"

Amphibians that breed in vernal pools and ponds have wildly fluctuating population sizes. My research has focused on understanding the drivers of these population changes, both natural and human caused. Using a combination of field, mesocosm, and laboratory experiments along with mathematical modeling approaches has allowed me to better understand the interacting effects of land-use practices, hydroperiod, density dependence and life history strategies on the dynamics of amphibian populations. The ultimate goal of this research is to inform policy decisions, particularly those regulating buffer zones around wetlands.

Dr. Harper, Midd Alum (‘01) is Associate Professor, Natural and Social Sciences, at New England College. Her research interests are in amphibian ecology, tropical biology, and ecological modeling. Lunch available at 12:15pm.