Monday, August 31, 2009

Amanda Southwood, assistant professor of biology and marine biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will present her lecture titled "Diamonds in the Rough: Biology and Conservation of Diamondback Terrapins" at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. She will speak in the Hodder Hall of Mentors at the UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane.

Southwood's research centers on how animals respond physiologically and behaviorally to changes in their environment. Her seminar will focus on the diamondback terrapin, the only species of estuarine turtle. Populations of this species have decreased throughout their range over the past couple of decades, and the diamondback terrapin is currently listed as a "species of concern" in North Carolina. A few topics that Southwood will discuss include: terrapin biology, movement patterns, habitats and the impacts of seasonal change and human contact.

Free and open to the public, the Planet Ocean Seminar Series offers four lectures each academic year, featuring prominent speakers from UNCW faculty, other leading research institutions, well-known environmental organizations and government agencies. These seminars, offered since 2001, play an important role in the center's community outreach program. Funded in part by the Bluefish Society, an annual giving society, the program's goal is to provide community education and encourage interest in the field of marine sciences.

The Seminar Series usually last about an hour, including a short question and answer period. A reception follows the program. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. To reserve seats, call the Center for Marine Science at 910.962.2301.

Media are welcome to attend and cover this event.

Media Contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu