Research Interests:
– population and community ecology
– emerging infectious diseases, disease ecology
– bat and rodent ecology
– conservation of imperiled species
– human-wildlife interactions
Education:
2016 Ph.D. Zoology, Texas Tech University
Dissertation: Responses of cave-roosting bats to complex environmental gradients: an assessment across assemblages, species and population levels
Advisor: Dr. Tigga Kingston
2006 Master of Science, Oklahoma State University
Thesis: Ecological characteristics of small mammal communities inhabiting Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma
Advisor: Dr. Karen McBee
2003 Bachelor of Science, Auburn University
2000 Associate of Science, Indian Hills Community College
Research Experience:
09/2016 – Present Research Associate/Instructor, Texas Tech University
Prepare manuscripts, grant/fellowship applications, and presentations. Collaborate with colleagues on funding opportunities (FWS, NSF, DOD). Conduct hands-on training workshops on bat ecology and field methods (i.e., cave surveys, capture techniques), must relay information to non-English speaking participants of varying experience levels (govt officers, students, zoo workers). Instructor for senior-level course (BIOL 4101) with 25 – 50 students, a writing intensive course that requires students to attend weekly department seminars, discuss topics, and write summaries.
05/2016, 05/2017 Biostatistics Consultant, Texas Integrated Diving and Ecological Studies Laboratory
Advised experimental design and performed statistical analyses (in R) of student research projects, including assessing species habitat preferences, community composition and species abundance, disease prevalence and intensity, and temporal and spatial variability in population trends. Reviewed presentations and publications.
01/2014 to 09/2015 Research Contractor, Texas Tech University
Conducted monthly 30-mile acoustic driving transects in Lubbock County, Texas to determine the bat composition prior to the installation of wind energy arrays. Maintained four stationary Anabat SD2 detectors, installed solar panels, downloaded and analyzed acoustic data monthly.
08/2008 to 08/2016 Graduate Student (PhD), Texas Tech University
My doctoral research documented ecological characteristics of cave-roosting bat assemblages, populations and individuals across a landscape experiencing anthropogenic modification to better understand the relationship between human disturbance and the status of cave-roosting bat populations in the Philippines. Results were used to prioritize key caves to promote bat conservation and investigate the physiological response of cave bats to increasing cave disturbance.
09/2006 to 10/2008 Research Associate, Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Documented current distribution patterns of mammals native to Kansas through intense field surveys and compiled historical records to develop a comprehensive database of Kansas mammals. Orchestrated field operations, managed funds, and prepared biannual reports with other project members. Used various trapping methods to obtain voucher specimens for a wide array of mammalian species. Engaged with the community through museum fundraising events, tours, and education weekend events.
08/2003 to 11/2006 Graduate Student (MSc), Oklahoma State University
My thesis research examined the impact of heavy metal contamination on population and community characteristics of small mammals inhabiting a superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma. Used mark-recapture techniques, and programs MARK and CAPTURE to analyze data collected over the 2-year sampling period.
05/2006 to 08/2006 Data Entry, Collection of Vertebrates, OSU
Entered information for specimen holdings within the Collection of Vertebrates at Oklahoma State University to create a digital atlas of mammalian specimens of Oklahoma.
05/2005 to 08/2005
05/2006 to 08/2006 Field Technician, Oklahoma Coop. Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Live-trapped Ursus americanus (American black bear) using barrel traps and cable leg restraints to monitor populations in recolonizing the southern periphery of the species’ range. Sedated captured individuals using the jab stick method, then collected dental, blood, and tissue samples. Assisted in the set-up of numerous hair snare stations throughout the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. Collected hair samples, to be used for genetic identification, deposited at baited hair snare stations.
05/2004 to 08/2004 Field Technician, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Surveyed caves and cave-roosting chiropteran populations throughout western Oklahoma, specifically targeting possible Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens (Western Big-eared bat) maternity roost sites. Captured and attached radio tags to C. t. pallescens. Conducted radio telemetry surveys using both 3 and 5 prong yagi antennas on ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
05/2003 to 08/2003 Field technician, Oklahoma Coop. Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Surveyed caves and cave-roosting chiropteran populations throughout western Oklahoma. Conducted acoustic surveying of chiropteran species at locations where mist-nets could not be erected. Collected patagium tissue samples and standard morphological measurements from Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens (Western Big-eared bat) and Corynorhinus townsendii ingens (Ozark Big-eared bat), an endangered subspecies. Worked closely with landowners.
08/2001 to 05/2003 Laboratory technician, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University
Conducted numerous radio-immunoassays for growth hormone and luteinizing hormone, diagnostic assays for glucose and free fatty acids, and RNA and DNA extractions. Assisted in mammalian blood sampling, specifically with large breed domestic animals. Aided several doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows on research with emphasis on effects of disease on hormone secretion and the effects of hormones on the progression of disease.
Publications: Peer-Reviewed
Phelps, K.L., R. Jose, M. Labonite, T. Kingston (In prep) Species, but not assemblages, exhibit ecological thresholds across complex environmental gradients. PLoS ONE.
Parlos, J.A., L. Siles-Mendoza, F.A.A. Khan, C. Caio, K.L. Phelps, R.J. Baker, and R.D. Bradley (In prep) Patterns of bat activity on the South Plains increase during the migratory season. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University.
Phelps, K.L. and T. Kingston (Submitted) Environmental and biological context modulates the physiological stress response of bats to human disturbance. Oecologia.
Willoughby, A.R., K.L. Phelps, PREDICT Consortium, K.J. Olival. 2017. A comparative analysis of viral richness and viral sharing in cave-roosting bats. Diversity 9, Special Issue “Microbial Diversity in Caves”, 35. doi:10.3390/d9030035
Phelps, K.L., R.P. Jose, M. Labonite, T. Kingston. 2016. Correlates of cave-roosting bat diversity as an effective tool for prioritizing caves for conservation. Biological Conservation 201: 201 – 209. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2016.06.023
Voigt, C.C., K.L. Phelps, L. Aguirre, M.C. Schoeman, J. Vanitharani, A. Zubaid. 2016. Bats and buildings: the conservation of synanthropic bats. In: Voigt, C.C. and T. Kingston (eds), Bats in the Anthropocene: Conservation of bats in a changing world. Springer, pp. 427 – 462. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-25220-9_14
Phelps, K.L., and K. McBee. 2010. Population parameters of Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed deermice) inhabiting a heavy metal contaminated Superfund Site. The Southwestern Naturalist 55 (3): 363-374.
Phelps, K.L., and K. McBee. 2009. Ecological characteristics of small mammal communities at a Superfund Site. American Midland Naturalist 161: 57-68.
Phelps, K.L., C.J. Schmidt, and J.R. Choate. 2008. Presence of the Evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) in westernmost Kansas. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 111 (1/2): 159-160.
Schmidt, C.J., J.R. Choate, and K.L. Phelps. 2008. Wandering lynx in Kansas. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 111 (1/2): 161-162.
Schmidt, C.J., and K.L. Phelps. 2007. Geographic distribution: Thamnophis sirtalis. Journal of Kansas Herpetology 24:15.
Teaching experience:
01/2011 to 08/2015 Teaching Assistant, Texas Tech University
Course: Human Anatomy (ZOOL 2403)
08/2008 to 12/2010 Teaching Assistant, Texas Tech University
Course: Environmental Problems (BIOL 1113)
01/2006 to 05/2006 Teaching Assistant, Oklahoma State University
Course: Human Anatomy (ZOOL 2104)
08/2005 to 12/2005 Teaching Assistant, Oklahoma State University
Course: Vertebrate Morphology (ZOOL 3114)
08/2004 to 05/2005 Teaching Assistant, Oklahoma State University
Course: Animal Biology (ZOOL 1604)
08/2003 to 05/2003 Teaching Assistant, Oklahoma State University
Course: Introduction to Biology (ZOOL 1114)
Presentations:
K.L. Phelps, R. Jose, M. Labonite, and T. Kingston. 2016. Correlates of cave-roosting bat diversity as an effective tool to identify priority caves. A paper presented at the 17th International Bat Research Conference in Durban, South Africa. July 31 – August 5, 2016.
Huang, J. C-C, K.L Phelps and M-N. Tuanmu. 2016. Metacommunity structure of subtropical and tropical cave bats and the implications for roost conservation. A poster presented at the Conservation Asia 2016 meeting in Singapore. June 29 – July 2, 2016.
K.L. Phelps and Tigga Kingston. 2015. Effects of Cave Disturbance on Multiple Health Parameters in a Least Concern Species, Hipposideros diadema. A paper presented at the 45th North American Symposium on Bat Research in Monterey, California, USA. October 28 – 31, 2015.
K.L. Phelps, R. Jose, M. Labonite, and T. Kingston. 2015. Prioritizing Caves to Conserve Bats: Identifying Factors that Influence Cave Use. A paper presented at the 3rd Southeast Asian Bat Research Conference in Kuching, Malaysia. August 14 – 18, 2015. *awarded best oral presentation
Amarga, A.K., S. Yap, K. Phelps, and J. Recuenco-Adorada. 2015. A Glimpse on the Bat Ectoparasite Fauna of the Philippine Islands. A paper presented at the 24th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium in Catarman, Northern Samar, Philippines. April 14 – 17, 2015.
Phelps, K.L., R. Jose, M. Labonite, and T. Kingston. 2014. Prioritizing Caves for Bat Conservation: Identifying Factors that Shape Cave Bat Diversity in the Philippines. A paper presented at the 44th North American Society for Bat Research meeting in Albany, NY. October 22 – 25, 2014.
Phelps, K.L., R. Jose, M. Labonite, and T. Kingston. 2014. Anthropogenic and Environmental Factors Influencing Cave Bat Diversity in the Philippines: Implications for Conservation Agendas. A paper presented at the 94th American Society of Mammalogists meeting in Oklahoma City, OK. June 6 – 10th, 2014.
Amarga, A.K., S. Yap, P. Alviola, and K. Phelps. 2014. Distribution Records of Bat Ectoparasites in the Philippines, with New Records from Luzon and Bohol. A poster presented at the National Convention of the Philippine Society of Parasitologists.
Phelps, K.L. and T. Kingston. 2013. Conserving Cave Bats in the Philippines: Assessing the Impact of Cave Disturbance on Bat Assemblages. A paper presented at the 16th International Bat Research Conference and 43rd North American Symposium on Bat Research in San Jose, Costa Rica. August 11 – 15, 2013.
Phelps, K.L. 2013. Conserving Cave Bats in the Philippine: Assessing the Impact of Cave Disturbance on Bat Communities. A paper presented at the 5th Fulbright Regional Enrichment Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand. March 6 – 9, 2013.
Phelps, K.L. , R.P. Jose, and T. Kingston. 2012.Conserving Cave Bats in the Philippines: Assessing the Impact of Cave Disturbance on Bat Communities. A paper presented at the 3rd Texas Tech University Association of Biologists Symposium. March 30-31, 2012.
Phelps, K.L. 2011.Conservation of Uncharismatic Fauna: Bats. A symposium presented at the 1st heART Camp, Bohol Island State University – Bilar Campus, Bohol Philippines. June 25, 2011.
Phelps, K.L. and T. Kingston. 2010. Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Quantifying Anthropogenic Disturbance at Karst Formations and Application for Bat Conservation. A poster presented at the 40th North American Society for Bat Research. October 27-30, 2010.
Phelps, K.L., K.J. Olival, and T. Kingston. 2010. Influence of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Cave-Roosting Bats and the Potential Emergence of Associated Zoonotic Diseases. A poster presented at the 15th International Bat Research Conference. August 22-27, 2010.
Phelps, K.L., Zubaid A., and T. Kingston. 2010. Prioritizing Karst Formations for Bat Conservation in Peninsular Malaysia. A poster presented at the 9th Graduate Research Poster Competition at Texas Tech University. March 22-26, 2010.
Phelps, K.L., Zubaid A., and T. Kingston. 2010. Volant Viruses: Are Cave-Roosting Bats at Greater Risk? A poster presented at the 2nd International Berlin Bat Meeting: Bat Biology and Infectious Diseases. February 19-21, 2010.
Phelps, K.L., Zubaid A., and T. Kingston. 2010. Volant Viruses: Are Cave-Roosting Bats at Greater Risk? A paper presented at the 1st Texas Tech Annual Biological Sciences Symposium. February 5-7, 2010.
Phelps, K.L., Zubaid A., and T. Kingston. 2009. Significance of Karst Formations to Bat Conservation in Peninsular Malaysia. A poster presented at the 30th North American Society for Bat Research. November 4-8, 2009.
Phelps, K.L., C.J. Schmidt, and J.R. Choate. 2008. Kansas Mammal Atlas: Project Background. A paper presented at the 88th American Society of Mammalogists. June 22-25, 2008.
Phelps, K.L., C.J. Schmidt, and J.R. Choate. 2008. Kansas Mammal Atlas: Project Background. A paper presented at the 55th Southwestern Association of Naturalists. April 10-12, 2008.
Phelps, K.L. and K. McBee. 2007. Small mammals inhabiting a heavy metal contaminated superfund site: community and population parameters. A paper presented at the 28th North American Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. November 11-15, 2007.
Phelps, K.L., and K. McBee. 2007. Ecological characteristics of small mammal assemblages inhabiting a heavy metal contaminated superfund. A paper presented at the 87th American Society of Mammalogists. June 6-10, 2007.
Phelps, K.L., R.M. Pitts, and J.R. Choate. 2007. Mensural variation in Microtus ochrogaster on opposite sides of the Missouri River. A poster presented at the 54th Southwestern Association of Naturalists. April 19- 21, 2007.
Phelps, K.L., and K. McBee. 2007. Ecological characteristics of small mammal assemblages inhabiting a heavy metal contaminated superfund. A paper presented at the 54th Southwestern Association of Naturalists. April 19-21, 2007.
Phelps, K.L., J.R. Choate, and C.J. Schmidt. 2007. Mammals of greatest conservation concern in Kansas. A paper presented at the Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Meeting. Feb. 23-24, 2007.
Finnegan, K. J., K. L. Phelps, and K. McBee. 2006. Mortality in anuran larvae from Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma. A poster presented at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, South-Central Regional Meeting. May 18-20, 2006.
Phelps, K. L., and K. McBee. 2006. Ecological characteristics of small mammal assemblages inhabiting Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma. A paper presented at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, South-Central Regional Meeting. May 18-20, 2006.
Phelps, K. L., and K. McBee. 2006. Tar Creek Superfund Site: demographic parameters of small mammal assemblages inhabiting an environment contaminated with heavy metals. A paper presented at the 53rd Southwestern Association of Naturalists. April 13-15, 2006.
Phelps, K. L., and K. McBee. 2005. Effects of heavy metals on small mammal assemblages at Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma. A poster presented at the 85th Annual meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. June 15-19, 2005.
Phelps, K. L., and K. McBee. 2005. Effects of heavy metals on small mammal assemblages at Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma. A poster presented at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, South-Central Regional Meeting. May 13, 2005.
Phelps, K. L., and K. McBee. 2005. Effects of heavy metals on small mammal assemblages at Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma. A poster presented at the 52nd Southwestern Association of Naturalists. April 14-16, 2005.
Professional memberships:
2011-Present Society of Conservation Biology
2011-Present Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit
– Cave Bat Group (2011 – Present), Bat-Human Interactions Group (2015 – Present)
2008-Present Texas Tech University Association of Biologists
– Grants-in-Aid Committee, chair (2011)
– Research Symposium Food Committee (2010)
– Chili Cook-Off Committee (2010)
2003-Present American Society of Mammalogists
– Membership Committee (2007-2010)
2003-Present Southwestern Association of Naturalists
– Student Advisory Committee (2004-2007)
– Conservation Committee (2007-Present)
– Reviewer, The Southwestern Naturalist (2007-Present)
2003-2007 Zoology Graduate Student Society, Oklahoma State University
– Treasurer (2004-2006)
– Outstanding Graduate Mentor Selection Committee (2006)
Volunteer Experience:
IUCN Species Assessments, 2015 – present
Southeast Asian Bat Research Unit founding member, 2011 – present
Cave Bat Group, 2011 – present
- Compile cave and cave bat distribution records, write national status reports
- Develop guidelines for sustainable guano harvesting
- Conduct capacity-building workshops
- Foster international collaborations to conserve cave bat populations
Bat-Human Interactions Group, 2015 – present
- Compile distribution records of bats that occupy man-made structures
- Develop methods to quantify roost disturbance to prioritize roosts
- Assess attitudes towards bats, quantify intensity of bat hunting
Editorial Activities, 2010 – present
Journals: Acta Chiropterologica, The Southwestern Naturalist, The Prairie Naturalist, Western North American Naturalist, American Midland Naturalist, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Applied Ecology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, EcoHealth, Ecological Research
Books: Night Wings: The Laypersons’ Guide to the Bats of Kansas
Grants: Southwestern Association of Naturalists – McCarley Student Research Grant, Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit Small Grant Program, Texas Tech Association of Biologists Grants-in-Aid
Community Outreach, 2006 – present
- Educational campaigns to improve awareness and attitudes towards bats, geared towards students (3rd – 12th grades, college) and public audiences
- Workshops to inform government leaders and officials of bat species diversity and economical/ecological benefits of bats
- Museum tours of the mammal collections
Field Technician, 2003 – present
- Assisted graduate students on national and international research projects (bats, rodents, turtles, damselflies, black bears, red cedar)
- Surveyed winter hibernaculum to monitor the presence of WNS
- Designed novel methods to capture bats roosting in a hydrologic dam
- Established trapping grids and survey transects
- Molecular identification of cryptic and sympatric species
Awards/Grants/Fellowships received:
2015 Texas Tech University Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship
2014 Texas Tech University Helen DeVitt Jones Graduate Fellowship
2013 John Ball Zoo Society Wildlife Conservation Grant
2012 American Society of Mammalogists Grants-in-Aid of Research
2012 Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
2012 Texas Tech University Association of Biologists Grants-in-Aid
2012 The Explorers Club Student Grant
2012 Cave Research Foundation Graduate Research Grant
2012 Texas Tech University James & Mary Hazlewood Graduate Fellowship
2012 U.S. Department of State Fulbright Fellowship – Philippines
2012 National Speleological Society Ralph Stone Fellowship
2012 Bat Conservation International Student Research Scholarship
2011 U.S. Department of State Fulbright Fellowship – Malaysia (declined)
2011 Lewis & Clark Exploration Fund
2011 The Explorers Club Student Grant
2011 Cave Research Foundation Graduate Research Grant
2010 American Society of Mammalogists Grants-in-Aid of Research
2010 Bat Conservation International Student Research Scholarship
2009 Luis F. Bacardi Fruit Bat Conservation and Research Fund
2008 AT&T Foundation Chancellor’s Fellowship, Texas Tech University
2006 Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
2006 Zoology Graduate Student Society, Oklahoma State University
2005 Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
International Research Experience:
Kenya
Malaysia
Mexico
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Kendra Phelps 