Graduate Students

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Holly Tuers

tuers mtn

Email:  holly.tuerslance@siu.edu

Advisor:  Dr. Eric Schauber

Research Interest

My research investigates how movement and contact patterns of white-tailed deer create modes of transmission for diseases. Prior research has focused on contact patterns within and between matrilineal groups of deer without considering interactions with males. The main objective of my research will be to compare the relative contributions of male-male, male-female, and female-female contacts to potential disease transmission among white-tailed deer. Field work will be conducted in two study areas: one in southern Illinois near Carbondale and the other in east-central Illinois near Lake Shelbyville. Multiple capture methods will be used to equip deer with GPS radio collars. Results of this research will aid managers in developing and improving disease management strategies for deer in Illinois.