Blanding's turtle COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 15

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Biographical Summary of Report Writers

Chris Edge

Chris Edge is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Guelph in the BSc(H) Zoology program. He has always had an interest in reptiles and amphibians since an early age. His enrolment at the University of Guelph has focused his early interest in amphibians and reptiles towards their conservation and protection. His specific interests lie within the life history adaptations that have allowed different species to survive at higher latitudes, as well as the behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow species to adapt to a cooler and shorter active season. His fascination with ecological procedures and applications will prove useful as he pursues future endeavours in reptile and amphibian ecology. The education of the public in the conservation concerns facing Ontario’s native herpetofauna is one of his goals, and this has been achieved through participation in herpetology outreach programs in elementary and secondary schools.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones is a BSc(H) Biology graduate from the University of Guelph. During his undergraduate degree, Steve assisted in an ecotoxicology lab, studying the effects of contaminants on the development of the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Steve was a volunteer teaching assistant in the Herpetology class laboratory, and often assisted with the care and keep of the Herpetology Teaching Specimens. He is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ontario (UOIT). His future endeavours and interests include continuing studies in conservation biology and investigating the spatial ecology of reptiles in the northern periphery of their range. His main goal is to educate the general public on the biology of local herpetofauna in a hope to increase support for their conservation. For the past few years, Steve has participated in, and developed, herpetology outreach programs for elementary and secondary schools. These programs give the opportunity for younger students to learn about these often mysterious animals, have a chance to interact with them, and learn about the conservation concerns that face all reptiles in Ontario.

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