Assistant Professor of Biology
Zoology - Invertebrate Studies
Shawn T. Dash, Ph.D
Student Research Projects
Acoustical Anuran Survey of Costal Virginia.
Nisha Encarnacion and Charfa Williams
Frog call surveys are an effective way to assess the distribution and population trends of frog and toads which is based on the calls made by the males, where each species has a specific call during the breeding season. Frog-loggers were constructed from smartphones equipped with an external microphone and waterproof camouflaged casing to make several short recordings, about 25 seconds every two hours from 2:00pm until midnight, each day during the known calling window. Each species will be determined through auditory techniques where breeding calls made by male frogs and toads during the breeding season, early March through throughout summer.
Using Large Data Sets and Citizen Science to Assess the Biodiversity of Avian Fauna at Newport News Park, VA. (click image for a summary staring on page 5)
Paris Smith, Ashley Coleman, and Sterling Riding
This project used a decade of observational data to address species richness and seasonal patterns of birds at Newport News Park. Link to poster
The Ants on the Campus of Hampton University.- Harry Wallace
This study represents the first survey of ants of the campus. We have found a small number of common species, indicating a rather homogenous urban ecosystem with limited diversity.
Can Facebook be Utilized as a Tool to Collect Biodiversity Data on Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Sphecidae, Pompillidae) in the Greater Hampton Roads Area.- Caitlin McGowan
The research addressed general concerns on collecting insect specimens with the importance of documenting biodiversity and generating reprehensive taxa list for regional hymenopteran species. Link to poster
The Biodiversity of Ants in Delmarva. - Domonique Hill This research project is part of a large project focused on documenting the ants of Delmarva. Poster link
