PhD The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Major = Natural Resources (Wildlife Health Concentration) August 2022
Dissertation: “Role of temperature, transmission pathways, and pathogen load in Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans epidemiology”
Committee: Matthew J. Gray, Debra L. Miller, Mark Q. Wilber, James Fordyce
MS The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Major = Wildlife and Fisheries Science (Wildlife Health Conc.) July 2018
Thesis: “Implications of Drought and Ranavirus on an Amphibian Community in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park”
Advisor: Matthew J. Gray
BS Hampden-Sydney College, Biology May 2015
Summa Cum Laude
Minored in German
SEC Post-doctoral Emerging Scholar Recipient 2022-Present
Tennessee Fellowship for Graduate Student Excellence,
Gamma Sigma Delta PhD Candidate Research Award 2022
Graduate Student Senate Excellence in Teaching Award 2022
Graduate Student Senate Excellence in Research Award 2022
Dr. Frank-Maschmann Outstanding Publication Award, $1,100 2021
Global Catalyst Student International Travel Grant $1,500 2020
Graduate Student Senate Travel Award, $1,390 2017, 2019
Graduate Student Senate Excellence in Research Award 2018
Gamma Sigma Delta Graduate Student Research Award 2018
International Symposium of Ranaviruses Travel Award. $1,000 2017
R.T. Hewitt Biology Award, Hampden-Sydney College 2015
Phi Beta Kappa 2015
Sigma Xi 2015
Omicron Delta Kappa 2015
Summa Cum Laude, Hampden-Sydney College 2015
Madison Scholarship Recipient, Hampden-Sydney College 2013-2015
Hampden-Sydney College Varsity Soccer Captain 2014
VA SID Academic All-State Team 2014-2015
VA SID Soccer All-State Team 2014
University of Tennessee Center for Wildlife Health,
Knoxville, TN August 2022-Present Postdoctoral Fellow Supervisor:
Matthew J. Gray Supported by $2.75M grant (#2207922) awarded by the
National Science Foundation Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases
Program
- Designed laboratory experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of
plant-derived fungicides as a treatment for Batrachochytrium
salamandrivorans infections
- Evaluated the toxicity of plant-derived fungicides on an amphibian
host species (Notophthalmus viridescens). • Performed diagnostic testing
of amphibian pathogens collected through a U.S. trade network of pet
amphibian businesses
- Collected microbiome samples from wild amphibians to evaluate
differences in microbial communities that result from variation in
population densities
University of Tennessee Center for Wildlife Health,
Knoxville, TN 2018-2022 Ph.D. Candidate Advisors: Matthew J. Gray and
Debra L. Miller Supported by $2.5M grant (#1814520) awarded by National
Science Foundation, Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases
Program
- Performed laboratory challenge experiments that evaluated how
environmental temperature influences Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
(Bsal) chytridiomycosis disease progression and host
susceptibility.
- Updated Bsal habitat suitability maps for North America based on
temperature dependent susceptibility of a model host species
- Measured how Bsal susceptibility differs among amphibian host
life-stages
- Determined how probability of Bsal transmission relates to infection
latency and host infection load
- Performed a transmission experiment that measured the impacts infected
carcasses could have on disease outbreaks
- Evaluated the effectiveness of fungal zoospore removal by zooplankton
species
- Used estimates of species susceptibility and species distribution data
in ArcGIS to create risk maps for Bsal emergence across the United
States
- Performed challenge experiments to determine the pathogenesis of Bsal
chytridiomycosis
- Performed an experiment evaluating the effects of multiple stressors
(sediment, herbicide, pathogens) on larval hellbenders (Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis).
- Evaluated the efficacy of plant-derived fungicides on Bsal
zoospores
- Developed methods for determining zoospore cell viability using
flowcytometry
University of Tennessee Center for Wildlife Health,
Knoxville, TN 2016-2018 MS Research Advisor: Matthew J.
Gray
- Evaluated the effects of reoccurring ranavirus mortality events on
amphibian populations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Measured ranavirus infection prevalence in post-metamorphic and larval
amphibian communities from two ephemeral wetlands.
- Assessed wetland visitation by humans and wildlife using camera
traps.
- Coordinated research activities with Great Smoky Mountains National
Park staff and undergraduate volunteers.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville,
TN 2015-2016 Research Technician Lab: University of Tennessee, Center
for Wildlife Health - Performed Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis susceptibility challenge experiments on several amphibian
species.
- Cultured and tittered Ranavirus isolates for challenge
experiments.
- Evaluated how poor biosecurity while conducting field-based research
could contribute to amphibian disease outbreaks.
- Measured how commonly utilized herbicides impact eastern hellbender
susceptibility to Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
infections.
Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA 2013-2015 Undergraduate Honors Research • Conducted a Ranavirus challenge experiment which evaluated the impacts of commonly used herbicides on the susceptibility of Red-eared slider turtles. • Constructed four artificial cover-object transects for herpetofaunal sampling. • Measured the prevalence of ranavirus infection in squamate populations by conducting weekly sampling of four artificial cover object transects. • Utilized hand capture techniques to capture squamates and chelonians. • Tested tissue samples for Ranavirus DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Expected Spring 2022 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Instructor Introduction to Lab Techniques for Wildlife and Fisheries Science • Developed a course syllabus and curriculum that provided experiential learning opportunities for students interested in developing laboratory skills necessary to process commonly collected field research samples. • Designed several experiential learning activities through which students implemented techniques taught in class. • Evaluated student comprehension of lab methods by having students write a mock methods section for a proposed research project.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Fall 2022 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Instructor (79 students) Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries Science (WFS 100) • Taught incoming students learning methods that would prepare them for careers as Wildlife and Fisheries Professionals. • Organized a series of guest lectures that included faculty of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, US Department of Agriculture APHIS and Tennessee State Park personnel. • Regularly and effectively communicated class expectations to students. • Provided feedback to student assignments.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Fall 2022 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Instructor (25 students) Current Topics in Wildlife Health (WFS 101) • Organized lectures from wildlife health professionals for Wildlife and Fisheries students concentrating in Wildlife Health • Introduced students to the One Health Concept by exploring zoonotic pathogens and their origins. • Developed a Wildlife Health research assignment and graded written and oral presentations. • Provided a lecture on fungal pathogens that impact wildlife populations in terrestrial in marine environments.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Fall 2022 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Co-Instructor Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Graduate Student Seminar (FORS 512, WFS 512, FWF 612) • Provided instruction on how to construct and give oral presentations on proposed research and contemporary topics. • Assessed student presentations given during seminar.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Spring 2019-2022 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Co-Instructor Amphibian Ecology and Conservation (WFS 433/533) • Developed weekly quizzes, exams and lectures. • Adapted to online instruction during in-person class restrictions associated with COVID. • Created several lectures on amphibian identification, biodiversity, anatomy, physiology, reproductive strategies, and community interactions. • Organized field trip events to perform amphibian disease sampling and population monitoring in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Seven Islands State Birding Park.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Fall 2019-2021 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Co-Instructor Introduction to Wildlife Health (WFS 101) • Helped organize a series of lectures provided by faculty, graduate student and government agency personnel which introduced wildlife health concepts to a diverse undergraduate class. • Developed a career search exercise where students were asked to search for job listings which interested them, contemplate skills needed to make them a competitive candidate and then draft cover letters. • Created a lecture discussing several major fungal pathogens and concepts of disease ecology.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Fall 2016-2018 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Teaching Assistant • Assisted with exam and classwork associated with several Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries classes including: Conservation, Dendrology, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation, Wetland Ecology and Management.
Hampden-Sydney College, Spring 2015 Department of Biology Undergraduate Teaching Assistant • Demonstrated commonly used laboratory techniques for introductory biology lab students.
STUDENT MENTORSHIP Amphibian Disease Laboratory Mentor • Taught basic and advanced laboratory skills to 11 undergraduate students and guided 5 undergraduates in independent research. • Created a welcoming atmosphere where undergraduates became prepared to succeed in research. • Eight of eleven past mentees are now pursuing graduate studies or professional degrees.
Undergraduate Independent Study Mentor • Assisted with designing an undergraduate independent study focusing on Green salamander (Aneides aeneus) conservation status. • Demonstrated techniques used to create geographic maps of species presence and the distribution of threatened species.
High School STEM Independent Study Mentor • Helped high school students complete an independent study involving amphibian population monitoring using an artificial cover board array.
Peer Reviewed Publications
Gray, J. M., Carter, E. D., Cusaac, J. P. W., Peterson, A. C., Whetstone, D. R., Hertz, A., Muniz-Torres, Y. A., Bletz Molly, C., Woodhams, D. C., Piovia-Scott, J., Romansic, J. M., Olea, P. G., Hardman, R. H., Sutton, W. B., McCusker, D. C., & Miller, L. D. (2022). Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and extinction risk. Nature Communications. SELECT PRESENTATIONS AND INVITED LECTURES
Carter, E.D, Wilber, M.Q., Miller, D.M., Sheley, W.S., DeMarchi J., Gray M.J. From the early stages of infection to the grave: How does Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans transmission probability shifts through infection? First Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference. Knoxville, TN. 2022 Carter, E.D, Fungal Pathogens. WFS 401: Ecology and Management of Wildlife Health. Knoxville, TN. 2022 (Invited) Carter, E.D, M. J. Gray, D. L. Miller, Necronotic: Infected carcasses can contribute to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans outbreaks. Annual Arizona State Amphibian Disease Conference. Virtual. 2021 Carter, E.D, Sheley, W. A Skin-Eating Fungus Threatens Salamander Species. University of Tennessee Wildlife Disease Association. Knoxville, TN. 2021 (Invited) Carter, E.D, Sheley, W. A Skin-Eating Fungus Threatens Salamander Species. University of Tennessee Science Forum. Knoxville, TN. 2021 (Invited) Carter, E.D. D. L. Miller, B. A. Bajo, A. C. Peterson, M. Bohanon, K. Ash, and M. J. Gray. Winter is coming: Temperature dependent virulence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. 9th World Congress of Herpetology, Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. 2020 Carter, E. D., D. L. Miller, B. A. Bajo, A. C. Peterson, M. Bohanon, K. Ash, P. Watcharaanantapong, and M. J. Gray. 2019. Winter is coming: Temperature dependent virulence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Joint Meeting of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV. 2019 (Invited) Carter, E. D., D. L. Miller, B. A. Bajo, A. C. Peterson, M. Bohanon, K. Ash, and M. J. Gray. Winter is coming: Temperature dependent virulence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Louisville, Kentucky. 2019 Carter, E. D., D. L. Miller, B. A. Bajo, A. C. Peterson, M. Bohanon, K. Ash, P. Watcharaanantapong, and M. J. Gray. Winter is coming: Temperature dependent virulence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Zoological Society of London Symposium, London, England. 2019 (Poster) Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. P. W. Cusaac, A. C. Peterson, L. Rollins-Smith, L. Reinert, M. Bohanon, B. A. Bajo, D. Malagon, R. Kumar, B. Augustino, L. Williams, A. Upchurch, P. Nanjappa, R. N. Harris, and D. L. Miller. 2019. Broad host range of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans equates to high invasion probability in North America. Zoological Society of London Symposium, London, England. 2019 (Poster) Carter, E. D., D. L. Miller, M. Bohanon, B. A. Bajo, D. A. Malagon, R. Kumar, B. J. Augustino, P. Watcharaanantapong, and M. J. Gray. A cool-loving fungus- temperature drives virulence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal.). The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Gatlinburg, TN. 2019 Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, D. L. Miller, M. Bohanon, B. Bajo, and P. W. Cussaac. Temperature influences infectivity of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Annual Meeting of the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Black Mountain, NC. 2019 Carter, E. D., J. P. Cusaac, D. L. Miller, J. A. Spatz, L. Rollins-Smith, L. K. Reinert, L. A. Williams, A. Upchurch, M. Bohanon, and M. J. Gray. Susceptibility of species in the subfamily Spelerpinae to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association, St. Augustine, FL. 2018 Carter, E. D., J. P. Cusaac, D. L. Miller, L. Rollins-Smith, L. Reinert, M. Bohanon, D. A. Malagon, C. N. Sheets, L. Williams, A. Upchurch, P. Nanjappa, and M. J. Gray. Evaluating the threat of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) to North American amphibian species including unknown anuran hosts. International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association, St. Augustine, FL. 2018 (Poster) Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, and D. L. Miller. Interaction of hydroperiod and ranavirus leading to possible amphibian population declines in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Helen, GA. 2018 Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, and D. L. Miller. Conservation risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans to endemic brook salamanders. Annual Meeting of the Northeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Pembroke, VA. 2017 (Poster) Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, and D. L. Miller. Interaction of Hydroperiod and Ranavirus Leading to Possible Amphibian Population Declines in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fourth International Symposium on Ranaviruses, Budapest, Hungary. 2017 (Poster) Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, and D. L. Miller. Poor biosecurity could lead to ranavirus outbreaks in amphibian populations. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Little Rock, AR. (Poster) Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, and D. L. Miller. Population Dynamics and Pathogen Prevalence in an Amphibian Breeding Pond in Cades Cove. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Research Colloquium, Gatlinburg, TN. 2017 Carter, E. D., M. J. Gray, J. A. Spatz, P. E. Super, and D. L. Miller. Interaction of hydroperiod and ranavirus leading to possible amphibian population declines in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 71st Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Louisville, KY. 2017
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Teaching Course: Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)- FEUL Professional Development Seminar University of Tennessee Teaching and Learning Innovation Center (Synchronous Instruction Online) Description: A six-week course focused on facilitating undergraduate evidence-based learning (FUEL).
Teaching Course: Introduction to Online Teaching for Graduate Students University of Tennessee Teaching and Learning Innovation Center (Synchronous Instruction Online) Description: A four-week course which focused on improving online teaching methods.
Teaching Module: Course-Based Assessments University of Tennessee Teaching and Learning Innovation Center (Online) Description: An online teaching module that discussed best practices in forming course objectives and developing methods of assessment.
Teaching Module: Inclusive Teaching Methods University of Tennessee Teaching and Learning Innovation Center (Online) Description: An online teaching module that demonstrated methods of inclusive teaching that provide opportunities for all students to succeed.
Student Workshop: Conservation Medicine One Health and Wildlife Diseases University of Georgia, Athens, GA, November 2018 Description: A workshop focused on the One Health concept and how it relates to wildlife disease management.
Student Workshop: Scientific Computing for Biology University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, Description: A workshop which taught data and code repository management. Overviewed powerful and commonly used predictive modeling techniques.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Wildlife Disease Association Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Ecological Society of America The Wildlife Society Gamma Sigma Delta Sigma Xi
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Young Williams Animal Hospital • Animal Foster 2022
Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference 2021-2022 • Student Committee Chair • Student Oral and Poster Presentation Competition Organizer • Student Field Trip Organizer • Welcome and Registration Desk Volunteer
UTK Graduate Student Senate Departmental Representative 2021-2022 • Executive Committee Member: Treasurer • Annual Fundraising Chair • Organized a Graduate Student Senate 5K which raised $2000 for a local food pantry serving faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students at UT • Organized a Halloween Costume Contest which benefited the Big Orange Pantry
UTK Graduate Student Senate Departmental Representative 2018-2019 • Judiciary Committee Member: Justice Peer-Reviewed Articles for: • PeerJ • EcoHealth • Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program 2016-2020 • Route Leader, Blount County, TN
Amphibian Sampling Technique Demonstrations • Led amphibian sampling technique training for three elementary school classes • Provided a larval amphibian sampling technique training to an undergraduate student organization focused on promoting women in STEM
LANGUAGES
English: Native Language
German: Intermediate Listener, Intermediate Speaker, Intermediate Reading and Writing
COMPUTER SKILLS
Programming: R
Applications: ArcGIS, ImageJ, Photoshop, JM
REFERENCES
Dr. Matthew J. Gray, Professor Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture Phone: (865) 385-0772 Email: mgray11@utk.edu
Dr. Debra L. Miller, Professor Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries & Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences (College of Veterinary Medicine) University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture Phone: (865) 806-7598 Email: dmille42@utk.edu
Dr. Mark Q Wilber, Assistant Professor Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture Phone: (865) 974-7126 Email: mqwilber@gmail.com