Research

Towson University offers a variety of unique research opportunities for students interested in studying the conservation and ecology of the Susquehanna River and northern portions of the Chesapeake Bay, including the endangered Maryland Northern Map Turtle.

Researchers are able to conduct research at the field station, at the nesting beach located next to the field station, and other various nearby sites. The field station is also able to house researchers.

People standing around a table with a turtle

Students conducting research

Turtles basking in water

Turtles basking on an artificial platform

Female turtle basking

Turtle basking near wildlife exclusion fence

turtle hatchlings

Turtle hatchlings

Hatchling in hands

Hatchling in hand

Current Research Projects

  • characterization of the northern map turtle microbiome
  • quantification of Susquehanna River northern map turtle population genetic parameters
  • spatial and seasonal ecology of the northern map turtle

Get Involved! 

Students interested in research opportunities should contact Dr. Steven Kimble at

Publications

Durkin, B.P., Richards-Dimitrie, T.M., Anderson, K.P., Howell, H.J., and Seigel, R.A. 2022. High Conservation Value of an Urban Population of a State-Endangered Turtle. Diversity. 14(5): 354.

Gacheny, M., Durkin, B.P., Richards-Dimitrie, T.M., and Seigel, R.A. 2021. Implications of anthropogenic habitat modification on the diet of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica). Herpetological Conservation Biology. 16(3): 482-490.

Seigel, R.A., Anderson, K., Durkin, B., Cole, J., and Richards-Dimitrie, T. 2016. Effectiveness of nest site restoration for the endangered northern map turtle: report 2: use of artificial nesting sites and wildlife exclusion fence to enhance nesting success. Maryland State Highway Administration. MD-15-SHA-TU-1-03.

Anderson, K.P., Byer, N.W., McGehee, R.J., and Richards-Dimitrie, T. 2015. A New System for Marking Hatchling Turtles Using Visible Implant Elastomer. Herpetological Review. 46(1): 25-27.

Seigel, R.A., Anderson, K., Durkin, B., and Richards-Dimitrie, T. 2015. Effectiveness of nest site restoration for the endangered northern map turtle: report 1: nest site selection and nest success from 2013-2014 and establishment of environmental center. Maryland State Highway Administration. MD-15-SHA-TU-1-01.

Anderson, K.P. 2014. Impacts of human recreation and hydroelectric flow regime on basking behavior of Northern Map Turtles, Graptemys geographica. (Towson University MA thesis).

Richards-Dimitrie, T., Gresens, S.E., Smith, S.A., and Seigel, R.A. 2013. Diet of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica): Sexual Differences and Potential Impacts of an Altered River System. Copeia. 2013(3): 477-484.

Richards-Dimitrie, T. and Seigel, R.A. 2011. Spatial ecology of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in an altered river system. (Towson University MA thesis).