Dr. Jeff Tamplin

Professor

Dr. Jeff Tamplin
Location

Office - MSH 023

Research Lab - MSH 072

Phone
(319) 273-2327

Directory Contact

Dr. Jeff Tamplin

Professor

Education
  • Ph.D. 1999 Louisiana State University (Biological Sciences)
  • M.S. 1988 Louisiana State University (Zoology and Physiology)
  • A.B. 1986 Augustana College (Biology; Environmental Science)
     
Teaching Interests

Courses (UNI): Evolution, Ecology, and the Nature of Science (BIOL 3100); Field Biology: Herpetology (BIOL 3174); Field Zoology of the Vertebrates (BIOL 3160); General Biology: Organismal Diversity (BIOL 2051); Graduate Colloquium (BIOL 6202); Courses (LSU): Introductory Zoology (BIOL 1209; ZOOL 1502); Honors Zoology (ZOOL 1203); Principles of Zoology I (ZOOL1001); Principles of Zoology II (ZOOL 1002); Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates (ZOOL 2153); Biology for Science Majors I (BIOL 1201); Biology for Science Majors II (BIOL 1202); General Biology I (BIOL 1001); General Biology II (BIOL 1002); MCAT Preparation (Biology Section); Measures of Teaching Quality: UNI (Range = 0.000–4.000): Post-tenure mean = 3.853; Pre-tenure mean = 3.736; Overall mean = 3.798; LSU (Range = 0.0–10.0): 9.516 (Department mean = 7.924; College mean = 7.779); Rate My Professor Score (Range = 0.0–5.0): 4.8 (119 ratings); UNI mean = 3.66

Research Interests

Jeff Tamplin's current research is focused on the ecology and conservation of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), an endangered species of reptile in Iowa that represents a "peripheral isolate" population at the western edge of it's range. Jeff utilizes radio telemetry to determine seasonal patterns of habitat selection, home range size, activity and movement patterns, survivorship, as well as population structure and the genetics of this species in Iowa. He is particularly interested in revealing behavioral patterns that differ between sexes, age classes, geographic location, and/or local field sites with varying levels of human impact.  Jeff also studies the effects of embryonic conditions on post-hatching temperature preferences and thermoregulation ability in aquatic turtles, particularly those of hatchlings and juvenile turtles. In the past, he participated in several vertebrate paleontological research trips to the interior of Antarctica with Dr. William R. Hammer; among their most significant finds was the first terrestrial dinosaur (Cryolophosaurus ellioti) discovered on the continent.

Professional Accomplishments