ECKERD COLLEGE NEWS Maddie Merrick w/Dr. Erin Rickman, HERP Laboratory

In this episode of Eckerd College News, WECX's Maddie Merrick interviews Dr. Erin Rickman as part of her series on animal research. Eckerd's newest research lab, the Anglo-American Reptile Research Lab, was created four months ago by Erin Rickman, assistant professor of animal studies. This is Rickman’s first year teaching at Eckerd, having moved to the United States from Lancing, England last September and they are currently studying ten crested geckos.
🎤The lab’s main goal is to understand the cognitive development of reptiles. “Reptile welfare is so far behind anything else, it’s basically nonexistent,” said Rickman. Although many own reptiles, the study of reptiles only emerged 30-40 years ago, resulting in a lack of understanding in the inner workings of reptiles’ brains. Read The Triton article for more on the Rickman.
🎤The Herpetological Environments and Research in Practice (HERP) Laboratory at Eckerd College looks to improve the welfare of captive herptiles and they focus on how the captive environment can influence animal behavior and cognition.  Learn more about the HERP  Laboratory and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

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