ADAM WESLEY FERGUSON

CURRENT POSITION

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Sep 2014 – Sep 2016– National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology, FY2014, Award No. DBI-1402456, International Track ($141,000)
Project Title: Anthropogenic Disturbance and Mesocarnivores: Consequences for Disease Dynamics across Africa’s Human-Wildlife Interface
Supervisors: Dr. Paul Webala, Karatina University and Dr. David Odongo, University of Nairobi

EDUCATION

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Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Major: Biology
Graduation:  August 2014
Advisor: Richard E. Strauss
Dissertation Title: Evolution of Skunks (Carnivora: Mephitidae) across the Mexican Transition Zone: Understanding the Influence of Environmental Variation on Morphological and Phylogeographic Patterns

Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909
Master of Science Degree (GPA 3.92)
Major: Biology
Graduation: May 2008

Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666
Master of Science Degree (GPA 3.76; GRE 1210)
Major: Wildlife Ecology
Graduation: December 2005

Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666
Bachelor of Science Degree, Summa cum Laude (GPA 3.86)
Major: Wildlife Biology
Minors: Chemistry and Writing
Graduation: August 2003

WORK EXPERIENCE

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TTU Department of Biological Sciences; Lubbock, Texas
Lab Coordinator; Jan 2009 – Present
Serving as laboratory coordinator for Biology 1402, Biology of Animals for non-majors. Duties include organizing laboratory set-up and guiding teaching assistants in delivery of the material. Additional responsibilities include serving as an active mediator between students and teaching assistants, and teaching assistants and professors.

TTU Department of Biological Sciences; Lubbock, Texas
Teaching Assistant; Aug 2008-Dec 2008
Taught three sections of approximately 72 students for Biology 1402, Biology of Animals for non-majors. This is an introductory course covering animal-environment interactions and animal structure, function, and behavior.

 Star Cactus Research Project; Starr County, Texas
Research Assistant; June 2006-July 2010
Conducting research on endangered Star cactus (Astrophytum asterias) investigating potential threats to existing populations from mammalian predators. Techniques include motion sensor cameras, sign surveys, and small mammal trapping.

 ASU Department of Biology; San Angelo, Texas
Teaching Assistant; January 2008-May 2008
Taught five sections of over 100 students the laboratory portion of the Biology 1411, Man and the Environment. Duties included lecturing, grading, and testing students.

Adam W. Ferguson-Wildlife Ecologist; Juno, Texas
Consultant; October 2007-March 2008
Independently worked for two ranches in Val Verde County conducting and organizing spotlight lines for deer census surveys and information on management and harvest recommendations.

Plateau Land & Wildlife Management; Dripping Springs, Texas
Subcontractor; September 2007
Ran spotlight census surveys for white-tailed deer for a ranch in Llano County and completed a report addressing deer density, sex ratios, and harvest recommendations.

Turner Biological Consulting; Buffalo Gap, Texas
Biological Consultant; March 2007-May 2008
Participated in seasonal passerine and raptor point counts on three properties currently being considered for wind energy installments. Performed presence-absence surveys for Black-capped Vireo on several private properties in and around west-central Texas.

ASU Department of Biology; San Angelo, Texas
Graduate Assistant; Sept 2006-Dec 2007
Graded eight sections of introductory biology course for biology majors, maintained grade files using the Blackboard system, prepped laboratories for professors.

Mammalian/Herpetofaunal Survey; Brown County, Texas
Field Assistant; Sept 2006-August 2007
Lead field crews surveying the Texas Army National Guard’s Camp Bowie facilities for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals using traditional survey techniques.Generated maps in ArcGIS v. 9.2 and coauthored final report.

Substitute Teacher; San Angelo, Texas
San Angelo ISD; Feb 2006-May 2006
Substitute taught various subjects for grades pre-k through high school for all of the San Angelo Independent School District’s schools.

Genetics Lab Instructor; San Marcos, Texas
Teaching Assistant; Aug 2005-Jan 2006
Lectured, graded, and assisted students in three sections of Texas State University’s Biology Department’s genetics course.

Trachemys Pop. Survey/Invasive Mgmt.; BBNP, Texas
Research Assistant; June 2005-Aug 2005
Assisted one of Dr. Forstner’s PhD students in his dissertation work on the current status of the Big Bend Slider (Trachemys gaigeae) in Big Bend National Park. Duties included trapping turtles, collecting data/genetic samples, and monitoring the status of the invasive red-eared slider.

Herpetology Lab Instructor; San Marcos, Texas
Teaching Assistant; Jan 2005-May 2005
Taught students how to identify various species of herpetofauna with an emphasis on Texas specimens. Assisted in instructing the students on how to collect herps in the field and lead field trips to various ecoregions of the state.

Biological Survey of Camp Mabry; Austin, Texas
Field Technician; April 2004-May 2005
Conducted a baseline survey of the mammalian and herpetological fauna found on the base, calculating densities, abundance, and distributions. Techniques utilized included small mammal trapping, mist netting, spotlight surveys, motion sensor cameras, time-constrained searches, turtle trapping, and funnel trapping.

Dr. Michael R.J. Forstner’s Lab/Field; San Marcos, Texas
Research Assistant; Jan 2003-August 2005
Worked in Dr. Michael Forstner’s molecular genetics lab at TXSU preserving specimens, performing DNA extractions, PCRs, cycle sequences, and managing tissue collections. Fieldwork included herpetofaunal sampling and monitoring of the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) at the Griffith League Ranch, Bastrop County, Texas.

Student Learning Assistant Center; San Marcos, Texas
Biology/Math Tutor; Aug 2001-Dec 2002
Tutored students in entry level biology courses, genetics, and a variety of mathematics, including college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus based courses.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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Biodiversity Informatics: Tools and Resources for Biogeography and Global Change
International Biogeography Society 6^th Biennial Meeting
9 January 2013
Led by Dr. Robert Guralnick- CU-Boulder,, Rosemary Gillespie & David Bloom, UC- Berkeley
and Walter Jetz, Yale.

A Primer for Mark-Recapture Analysis and Program MARK Workshop
Texas Tech University, Department of Biology
17-18 October 2009
Led by Dr. Scott Rush, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research

Wildlife Anesthesia, Capture and Handling of North American Species Workshop
Texas Tech University, Department of Natural Resource Management
26-28 September 2009
Led by Dr. Ole Alcumbrac, DVM, Wildlife Health Services

ESRI Introduction to ArcGIS I Certificate Course.  Version 9.2
 Angelo State University, Department of Management and Marketing
8-9 January 2009
Led by Dr. Steve Reames, Department of Management and Marketing

FIELD EXPERIENCE

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Skunk Survey; Various, Arizona
Texas Tech University; Jun 28 – Jul 4 2012
Led solo survey for Conepatus leuconotus in Hulapai Mountains, Yavapai County, AZ and other sites in Arizona (Fort Verde).

Mammal Survey; Various, Mexico
Texas Tech/CIDIIR-Durango; Apr 23 – May 15 2012
Funded, led, and organized a field trip to Veracruz and Campeche, Mexico to capture skunks for dissertation work. Field work included small mammal trapping, spotlighting, and mesocarnivore trapping, which yielded 150 museum specimens including 5 specimens of skunks.

Mammal Survey; Various, Botswana
Texas Tech/Botswana National Museum; Aug 31 – Sep 1 2011
Together with one other graduate student from Texas Tech, I planned, organized, and implemented a month long field expedition to 5 sites spread across the entire country of Botswana in collaboration with the Botswana National Museum. We also collaborated with the Natural History Museum of Kansas and National Collection of Mexico (UNAM) to collect birds during this trip.

Mammal Survey; Laikipia, Kenya
Smithsonian Institution; July 5 – Aug 31 2011
Worked together with Hillary Young, a post-doc at the Smithsonian Institution, and Molly McDonough to develop a reference collection of small mammals for the Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia, Kenya. Trained local Kenyans in modern mammal preparation techniques including museum vouchers and tissue samples.

Mammal Survey; Various, New Mexico
Texas Tech University; May 2011
Worked with one other TTU graduate student to organize a two week expedition to SE New Mexico and the Gila National Wilderness Area in Graham County to trap ground squirrels and skunks.

Mammal Survey; Various, Guatemala
Texas Tech/CECON; July 5 – Aug 12 2010
Co-organized a 5-week collecting trip to 4 states in Guatemala in addition to a workshop on identification, capture techniques, and preparation of mammalian voucher specimens for 8 students from El Salvador and Guatemala who accompanied us for 10 days to one of the field sites. Together with three other Texas Tech students we collected and preserved 460 mammalian specimens.

Meso-Carnivore Survey; Tamaulipas/Zacatecas, MX
Texas Tech/CIDIIR-Durango; Dec 28 2009 – Jan 10 2010
Funded, led, and organized a field trip to Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, Mexico to capture skunks for dissertation work. Field work, including small mammal trapping, spotlighting, and mesocarnivore trapping, which yielded 73 museum specimens including 11 specimens of three species of skunks.

Koanaka Hills Mammal Survey; Botswana, Africa
Texas Tech/Sam Houston State University; July 13 – July 29 2009
Participated in a follow up survey of Koanaka Hills region, Ngamiland, Botswana. Our crew of six including members of the Botswana National museum prepared 530 specimens of mammals for deposition into both local and international museums. .

Small Mammal Survey; Alaska, USA
Angelo State University; June 19 – June 24 2009
Participated in a survey targeting small mammals with three other mammalogists in peninsular and interior Alaska. A total of 27 specimens were collected and prepared for deposition into a museum.

Mammal Survey; Tamaulipas, Mexico
Texas Tech/CIIDIR-Durango; April 26 – May 1 2009
Funded, led, and organized a trip to Aldama, Tamaulipas to capture mammals. A total of 130 specimens, including one skunk, were deposited into both Mexican and US Museums.

Koanaka Hills Mammal Survey; Botswana, Africa
Texas Tech/Sam Houston State University; June 16 – July 1 2008
Participated in a mammalian faunal survey of the Koanaka Hills region, Ngamiland, Botswana. This project is part of a collaborative research effort to identify the current and fossil mammalian community and involves researchers from Texas Tech University, Sam Houston State University, and the Botswana National Museum. Together with a fellow graduate student, faculty member from Sam Houston, and an undergraduate from Sam, we collected and preserved over 230 mammal specimens for deposition into both U.S. and Botswana institutions.

Meso-Carnivore Survey; Various, Mexico
Angelo State University; August 6 – August 26 2007
Organized, funded, and participated in a mesocarnivore, bat, and rodent survey across four states in Mexico in collaboration with biologists from La Universidad Autonoma Estado de Morelos, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, and Angelo State University. Two fellow graduate students and myself collected and prepped 61 specimens for the three prospective museums including 7 species of mesocarnivores.

Meso-Carnivore Survey; Morelos, Mexico
Angelo State University; January 2 – January 12 2007
Drove the vehicle, personally funded, and assisted in an extensive mesocarnivore survey of two study sites in Morelos, Mexico for skunk species in collaboration with La Universidad Autonoma Estado de Morelos and Angelo State University biologists. The four participants in the field collected and prepped 52 specimens of mammals including 3 species of mesocarnivores.

Neotropical Bat Survey; Various, Ecuador                    
Angelo State University; June 2006 – August 2006
Participated, partially funded, and planned a bat faunal survey of eastern and western lowlands of Ecuador for two months. Worked in collaboration with Pontifica Universidad Católica del Ecuador and Angelo State University biologists. With two other assistants we collected and prepared over 140 bat specimens.

O2 Ranch Mammal Survey; Brewster County, Texas
Angelo State University; 2004 – 2005
Participated in a comparative mammalian survey of the O2 ranch and Terlingua Creek in Brewster County investigating the effects of invasive salt cedar on composition of mammalian communities along riparian corridors. Used tomahawk live traps to collect spotted skunks and ringtails as well as other standard mammal traps.

Bat Survey of Texas; Various, Texas
Texas Army National Guard; 2004 – 2005
Surveyed various sites under National Guard jurisdiction to document bat community composition. I was involved in several surveys at Camp Mabry, Travis County and Camp Swift, Bastrop County, Texas.

Herpetofaunal Survey; Tamaulipas, Mexico
Houston Zoo; May 2005 – June 2005
Assisted William Farr of the Houston Zoo with a herpetofaunal survey of Tamaulipas, Mexico in an attempt to document distributional ranges and occurrence of various reptile and amphibian species throughout the state.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

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-Houston Safari Club Scholarship (2012: $4000)
-Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Fund of the American Museum of Natural History (2012: $2000)
-Southwestern Association of Naturalists Annual Meeting Travel Grant (2012: $700)
-Best Presentation in Plant & Soil Science- Annual Biological Sciences Symposium (2012: $200)
-Texas Academy of Science Student Research Award (2012: $1500)
-Texas Academy of Science Best Oral Presentation 2^nd Place Award (2012: $200)
-Sigma Xi Grant-In-Aid Research (2012: $400)
-American Society of Mammalogists Elizabeth Horner Award (2011: $500)
-American Society of Mammalogists Grants-In-Aid of Research (2011: $1500)
-TTU Dept. of Biological Sciences Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2011: $100)
-Best Presentation in Ecology- Texas Tech Annual Biological Sciences Symposium (2011: $200)
-Howard McCarley Student Research Award- Southwestern Assoc. of Naturalists (2010: $1000)
-Cash Family Endowed Scholarship, Texas Tech University (2010: $3000)
-J Knox Jones, Jr., Memorial Endowed Scholarship (2009: $1500)
-Department of Biological Sciences Travel Grant (2009: $2000)
-TTU Association of Biologists Grants-In-Aid Award (2009: $700)
-Texas Academy of Science Student Research Award (2009: $1000)
-William B. Davis Award-Texas Society of Mammalogists (2008; $100)
-ASU Graduate School Academic Excellence Scholarship (2008; $2200)
-Carr Student Research Scholarship (2007; $3500)
-ASU Graduate School Academic Excellence Scholarship (2007; $2300)
-Texas Academy of Science Student Research Award (2007; $500)
-ASU Graduate School Academic Excellence Scholarship (2006; $2400)
-Houston Safari Club International Scholarship (2005; $1625)
-W.E. Norris Jr. Scholarship Award (2005; $300)
-TXSU Department of Biology Travel Grant (2005; $200)
-Houston Safari Club International Scholarship (2004; $3250)
-TXSU College of Science Graduate Scholarship (2004; $2000)
-Outstanding Achievement in Wildlife Management Award (2003; $200)
-Ward Lee Eggleston Memorial Scholarship (2002 and 2003; $500)
-Russell and Ruth Strandtmann Field Biology Award (2002; $500)

HONORS

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-Elected student member of the BOD for the American Society of Mammalogists (2012 – 2015)
-Alternate Student Marshall-College of Graduate Studies Commencement 2008
-Student Commencement Speaker Graduating Class of 2003
-SWTSU Department of Biology’s Certificates of Academic Excellence
-SWTSU Wildlife Society’s Certificate of Academic Achievement
-Member of 2003 TXCTWS Quiz Bowl Championship Team
-Tri Beta Biological Honor Society Member
-Golden Key International Honor Society Member
-College of Reading and Learning Association Certifications

 PUBLICATIONS

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See publications website for up to date papers and PDFs

In Prep (Actual Drafts of Manuscripts)

Brashear, W. A., A. W. Ferguson, and R. C. Dowler. In preparation. Den-site Selection in the American Hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus. Journal of Mammalogy.

In Review

Fontoura-Rodrigues, M. L., C. B. Kasper, G. N. Cavalcanti, J. A. Vianna, A. W. Ferguson, D. Castillo, M. Gabrielli, M. Lizarralde, L. Silveira, V. G. Dias, and E. Eizirik. In review. Phylogeny of South American hog-nosed skunks (Carnivora: Mephitidae: Conepatus): geographically structured populations derived from a recent diversification process. Zoologica Scripta

Accepted

(26) Ferguson, A. W., R. E. Strauss, and R. C. Dowler. In press. Beyond black and white:  Assessing color variation in the context of local environmental conditions in the aposematic American hog-nosed skunk Conepatus leuconotus. Pp. XX in Small carnivores in space and time: Evolution, ecology, behaviour, and conservation (E. Do Linh San, J. Sato, J. L. Belant & M. J. Somers, eds.). Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.

(25) McDonough, M. M., R. Šumbera, V. Mazoch, A. W. Ferguson, C. D. Phillips, and J. Bryja. (2015) Multilocus phylogeography of a widespread savanna–woodland-adapted rodent reveals the influence of Pleistocene geomorphology and climate change in Africa’s Zambezi region. Molecular Ecology, 24(20): 5248-5266.

(24) Brashear, W. A., A. W. Ferguson, N. N. Negovetich, and R. C. Dowler. (2015) Spatial organization and home range patterns of the American hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus). American Midland Naturalist, 174: 310-320.

(23) Young, H. S., D. J. McCauley, R. Dirzo, J. R. Goheen, B. Agwanda, C. Brook, A. W. Ferguson, F. Keesing, S. N. Kinyua, M. M. McDonough, T. M. Palmer, R. M. Pringle, D. R. Salkeld, T. P. Young, and K. M. Helgen. (2015) Context-dependent effects of large wildlife declines on small mammal communities in central Kenya. Ecological Applications, 25(2): 348-360.

(22) Schlitter, D. A., A. W. Ferguson, and M. M. McDonough (2014) Book Review: Mammals of Africa (6 volumes), Edited by J. Kingdon, D. Happold, T. Butynski, M. Hoffmann, M.

Happold, and J. Kalina. Journal of Mammalogy, 95(6): 1299-1303.

(21) Ferguson, A. W. (2014) Invited Book Review: Bones, Clones, and Biomes: The History and Geography of Recent Neotropical Mammals, Edited by Bruce D. Patterson and Leonora P. Costa. Quarterly Review of Biology, 89:50-51.

(20) McRoberts, J., A. W. Ferguson, D. E. Schwalm, J. Timmer, and W. B. Ballard. (2014) Analysis of publication rates from presentations given at annual conferences of The Wildlife Society, 1994–2006. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 38(1):134–141.

(19) Bergstrom. B., L. Arias, A. Davidson, A. W. Ferguson, L. Randa, and S. R. Sheffield. (2014) License to kill: Reforming Federal wildlife control to restore biodiversity and ecosystem function. Conservation Letters, 7(2): 131-142.

(18) McDonough, M. M.,  C. G. Sotero-Caio, A. W. Ferguson, P. J. Lewis, M. Tswiio, and M. Thies.  (2013) Mitochondrial DNA and karyotypic data confirm the presence of Mus indutus and Mus minutoides (Mammalia, Rodentia, Muridae, Nannomys) in Botswana. ZooKeys 359: 35-51.

(17) Do Linh San, E., A. W. Ferguson, J. L. Belant, J. Schipper, M. Hoffmann, P. Gaubert, F. M. Angelici, and M. J. Somers. (2013) Conservation status, distribution and species richness of small carnivores in Africa. Small Carnivore Conservation, 48: 4-18.

(16) Ferguson, A. W., R. E. Strauss, A. W. Strong, S. J. Birnbaum, J. S. Poole, G. K. Janssen, and P. S. Williamson. (2013) Assessing regional differences in threats to endangered species: Implications from Texas populations of the endangered star cactus (Astrophytum asterias). Journal of Arid Environments, 97: 143-149.

(15) Phillips, C., G. Phelan, S. Dowd, M. McDonough, A. W. Ferguson, J. Hanson, L. Siles, N. Ordónez-Garza, M. San Francisco,  and R. J. Baker. 2012. Microbiome analysis among bats describes influences of host phylogeny, life history, physiology and geography. Molecular Ecology, 21(11): 2617-2627.

(14) McDonough, M. M., A. W. Ferguson, L. K. Ammerman, C. Granja-Vizcaino, S. F. Burneo, and R. J. Baker. 2011. Molecular Verification of Bat Species Collected in Ecuador: Results from a Country-wide Survey. Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University, 301: 1-28.

(13) McDonough, M. M., B. K. Lim, A. W. Ferguson, C. M. Brown, S. F. Burneo, and L. K. Ammerman. 2010.  Mammalia, Chiroptera, Emballonuridae, Peropteryx leucoptera Peters, 1867 and Peropteryx pallidoptera Lim, Engstrom, Reid, Simmons, Voss, and Fleck, 2010: Distributional Range Extensions in Ecuador. Checklist, 6(4): 639-643.

(12) Ferguson, A. W., M. M. McDonough, M. L. Thies, P. J. Lewis, and M. Gabadirwe. 2010. Mammals of the Koanaka Hills (Nqumtsa Hills) Region of Botswana: A Provisional Checklist. Botswana Notes and Records, 42:163-171.

(11) Ferguson, A. W., N. A. Currit, and F. W. Weckerly. 2009. Isometric Scaling in Home Range Size of Male and Female Bobcats (Lynx rufus). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 87(11): 1052-1060.

(10) Ferguson, A. W. and P. S. Williamson. 2009. A New Host Plant Record, the Endangered Star Cactus Astrophytum asterias (Zuccarini) Lemaire for Moneilema armatum LeConte (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). The Coleopterists Bulletin, 63(2): 218-220.

(9) Dowler, R. C., C. E. Ebeling, G. I. Guerra, and A. W. Ferguson. 2008. The Distribution of Spotted Skunks, Genus Spilogale in Texas. Texas Journal of Science, 60(4): 321-326.

(8) Ferguson, A. W., F. W. Weckerly, J. T. Baccus, and M. R. J. Forstner. 2008. Evaluation of Predator Attendance at Pitfall Traps in Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist, 53(4):450-457.

(7) Ferguson, A. W., M. M McDonough, and M. R. J. Forstner. 2008. Herpetofaunal Inventory of Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas: Community Composition in an Urban Landscape. Texas Journal of Science, 60(2): 123-136.

(6) Ferguson, A. W. 2007. Masticophis schotti schotti (Schot’s Whipsnake) Diet. Herpetological Review, 38(3):341.

(5) Ferguson, A. W. and M. T. Dixon. 2007. Elaphe guttata emoryi (Great Plains Ratsnake) Diet. Herpetological Review, 38(3): 340.

(4) Ferguson, A. W. and M. R. J. Forstner. 2006. A Device for Excluding Predators from Pitfall Traps. Herpetological Review, 37(3): 316-317.

(3) Ferguson, A. W. and M. R. J. Forstner. 2005. Geographic Distribution. Farancia abacura reinwardtii (Western Mudsnake). Herpetological Review, 36(2): 203.

(2) Ferguson, A. W. and M. R. J. Forstner. 2005. Geographic Distribution. Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster (Prairie Kingsnake). Herpetological Review, 36(4): 469.

(1) Bailey, L. B., M. R. J. Forstner, A. W. Ferguson, J.T. Jackson, and S. Reiley. 2005. Geographic Distribution. Pseudemys gorzugi (Rio Grande Cooter). Herpetological Review, 36(4): 465.

Other

(9) Hamilton, D., A. W. Ferguson, M. Atanassov, and P. Hellman. 2010. Biology 1402: Biology of Animals Lab Manual. Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University. 170 pp.

(8) Janssen, G.K., P. W. Williamson, J. M. Poole, S. Birnbaum, A. W. Ferguson, A. W. Strong, and A. W. Blair. 2010. The research and recovery of star cactus (Astrophytum asterias) Final Section 6 Report, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin. 129 pp.

(7) Dowler, R. C., M. T. Dixon, and A. W. Ferguson. 2009. Final Report. Survey of the Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians of Camp Bowie 2006-2008. Final Project Report Submitted to Dawn L. Johnson, Ph.D. and the TXARNG. 25 pp.

(6) Janssen, G. K., P. S. Williamson, J. M. Poole, S. Birnbaum, and A. W. Ferguson. 2008. Section 6 Interim Report. The Research and Recovery of Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias). Submitted to Craig Farquhar, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 78 pp.

(5) Ferguson, A. W. 2008. Chasing Our Smelliest Furbearer South of the Border. Texas Fur Trails, January Issue, p. 11.

(4) Ferguson, A. W. 2005. Estimates and Effects of Vertebrate Predation on Drift Fence Associated Pitfall Traps. M.Sc. Thesis, Texas State University. 57 pp.

(3) Ferguson, A.W. M.M. McDonough, and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Final Report. A Herpetofaunal Inventory of Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. Final Project Report Submitted to Dawn L. Johnson, Ph.D. and the TXARNG. 49 pp.

(2) McDonough, M.M., A.W. Ferguson, and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Final Report. Baseline Mammal Survey of Camp Mabry Texas Army National Guard Training Site, Austin, Texas. Final Project Report Submitted to Dawn L. Johnson, Ph.D. and the TXARNG. 41 pp.

(1) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2004. Final Technical Report. Active Predation of Pitfall Traps at a Study Site for the Endangered Houston Toad. Pgs. 4:1-11. In: Forstner, M.R.J. and T. Swannack (eds.). The Houston Toad in Context. Final Project Report Submitted to TPWD/USFWS. 746 pp.

 

PRESENTATIONS

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(57) Ferguson, A.W., D. Ngatia, P. W. Webala, and E. Do Linh San. 2016. Conflict-benefit relationships between humans and small African carnivores: A continent-wide perspective. Invited talk for Symposium H1: Carnivore Conservation Worldwide: A holistic review of conflicts versus benefits. Pathways Kenya: Integrating Human Dimensions into Fisheries and Wildlife Management, January 10-13, 2016, Nanyuki, KENYA (Invited presentation).

(56) Ngatia, D., A. W. Ferguson, and P. W. Webala. 2016. The spatial ecology of domestic dogs along Kenya’s human, wildlife, and livestock interface. Pathways Kenya: Integrating Human Dimensions into Fisheries and Wildlife Management, January 10-13, 2016, Nanyuki, KENYA.

(55) Ferguson, A.W. 2015. Developing a career in wildlife management: Insight, advice, and keys to success. Karatina University Nature Club’s Environmental Awareness Week, November 6, 2015, Karatina, KENYA (Invited presentation).

(54) Ferguson, A. W., D. Ngatia, P. W. Webala, and E. Do Linh San. 2015. Kenya’s small carnivores: what we do, do not, and need to know. Kenya Wildlife Service’s 9^th Annual Carnivore Research and Conservation Conference, October 28 – 30, 2015, Nairobi, KENYA.

(53) Ngatia, D., A. W. Ferguson, and P. W. Webala. 2015. The spatial ecology of domestic dogs along Kenya’s Human-Wildlife-Livestock interface. Kenya Wildlife Service’s 9^th Annual Carnivore Research and Conservation Conference, October 28 – 30, 2015, Nairobi, KENYA.

(52) Ferguson, A. W., D. Ngatia, D. Muloi, P. Muinde, M. K. Murungi, J. M. Nyagucha, S. Strebel, H. O’Neill, D. Martin, and D. J. Martins. 2015. Lakipia County Rabies Vaccination Campaign: A Pilot Study for Kenya’s Human-Wildlife Interface. Kenya Veterinary Association World Rabies Day Conference, September 26, 2015, Malindi, KENYA.

(51) Ferguson, A.W. and E. Do Linh San. 2015. Africa’s other carnivores: Assessing continent-wide knowledge gaps in small carnivore research. The 12th African Small Mammal Symposium, April 12 – 17, 2015, Mantasoa, MADAGASCAR.

(50) Ferguson, A. W., R. E. Strauss, and R. C. Dowler. 2014. Beyond Black and White: Addressing Color Variation in the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus). 94^th Annual Meeting American Society of Mammalogists, June 6 – 11, 2014, Oklahaoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

(49) Ferguson, A. W. 2014. Beyond Black and White: Addressing Color Variation in the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus). 61^st Annual Meeting Southwestern Association of Naturalists, April 17-20, 2014, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. (Winner- Wilks Award).

(48) Ferguson, A. W., A. T. Peterson, R. E. Strauss, and R. C. Dowler. 2013. Influence of Environmental Variation on Genetic and Morphological Patterns in the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus). 11^th International Mammalogical Congress, August 11 – 16, 2013 Belfast, U.K. (oral presentation for symposium entitled Small Carnivores in Space and Time)  

(47) Ferguson, A. W., G. I. Guerra, L. K. Ammerman, J. W. Dragoo, and R. C. Dowler. 2013. Spots on Trees: Examining the Phylogeography of the Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis). 93^rd Annual Meeting American Society of Mammalogists, June 14 – 18, 2013, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (Poster).

(46) Ferguson, A. W., W. A. Brashear, and R. C. Dowler. 2013. Space Use, Denning Ecology, and the Abiotic Niche of the American hog-nosed Skunk: A First Assessment. Wild Musteloid Conference: Biology and Conservation of Wild Mustelids, Skunks, Procyonids, and Red Pandas. March 18 – 21, 2013, Oxford, U.K.

(45) Ferguson, A. W., A. T. Peterson, R.E. Strauss, and R.C. Dowler. Phylogeography of the American hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus (Lichtenstein, 1832). Texas Academy of Sciences, February 28 – March 2, 2013, Kerville, Texas, USA.

(44) Ferguson, A. W., A. T. Peterson. R. E. Strauss, and R. C. Dowler. 2013. Phylogeography of the American hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus. 6^th Biennial Conference International Biogeography Society, January 9 – 13, 2013, Miami, USA.

(43) Ferguson, A. W., A. T. Peterson, R. E. Strauss, R. J. Baker, and R. C. Dowler. 2012. Phylogeography of the American hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus (Lichtenstein, 1832). 59^th Annual Meeting Southwestern Association of Naturalists, April 19 – 22, 2012, Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

(41) Ferguson, A. W., R. E. Strauss, and A. T. Peterson. 2012. Characterization of the Abiotic Niche of the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) Using Ecological Niche Modeling: Past and Present Viewpoints. 115^th Annual Meeting Texas Academy of Science, March 1-3, 2012, Alpine, Texas (Winner- Best Graduate Oral Presentation, 2^nd Place)

(40) McDonough, M. M., C. G. Sotero-Caio, R. J. Baker, P. J. Lewis, M. L. Thies, A. W. Ferguson, M. Tswiio. 2012. Mitochondrial, Morphological, and Karyotypic Data Confirm the Presence of Multiple Lineages of Mus in Botswana. 115^th Annual Meeting Texas Academy of Science, March 1-3, 2012, Alpine, Texas.

(39) McRoberts, J. T., J. M. Timmer, D. L. Schwalm, A. W. Ferguson, and W. B. Ballard.  2011.  Publication analysis of presentations given at annual conferences of The Wildlife Society, 1994-2006.  18th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society, November 7, 2011, Waikoloa, Hawaii.

(38) Ferguson, A. W., R. E. Strauss, and A. T. Peterson. 2011. Characterization of the Abiotic Niche of the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) Using Ecological Niche Modeling: Past and Present Viewpoints. 2^nd Texas Tech Annual Biological Sciences Symposium, April 1-2, 2011, Lubbock, Texas (Winner- Best Graduate Oral Presentation in Ecology).

(37) Brashear, W. A., A. W. Ferguson, C. E. Pomposelli, and R. C. Dowler. 2011. Denning Ecology of the American hog-Nosed Skunk Conepatus leuconotus. 114^th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science, March 3-5, 2011, Austin, Texas.

(36) Brashear, W. A., A. W. Ferguson, C. E. Pomposelli, and R. C. Dowler. 2011. Den Site Selection of the American-hog Nosed Skunk Conepatus leuconotus, in West-Central Texas. 29^th Annual Meeting of the Texas Society of Mammalogists, February 25-27, 2011, Junction, Texas (Winner- William B. Davis Award-best oral presentation pertaining to classical mammalogy at the organismal level).

(35) Ferguson, A. W. 2010. The 10 P’s for Succeeding in Graduate School: Perspectives from a 2^nd Year Ph.D. Student. Angelo State University Biolunch Seminar, February 19, 2010, San Angelo, Texas (Invited Presentation).

(34) Ferguson, A. W., W. A. Brashear, and R. C. Dowler. 2009. Spatial Ecology and Conservation Status of the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus). 10^th International Mammalogical Congress, August 9-14 2009, Mendoza, Argentina (Poster).

(33) McDonough, M. M., A. W. Ferguson, R. J. Baker, M. L. Thies, P. J. Lewis, and M. Gabadirwe. 2009. Molecular Identification of Small Mammals from Botswana’s Koanaka Hills. 10^th International Mammalogical Congress, August 9-14 2009, Mendoza, Argentina (Poster).

(32) Brashear, W. A., R. C. Dowler, and A. W. Ferguson. 2009. Home Range and Den Site Selection in the American Hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus. 89th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists, June 24-28 2009, Fairbanks, Alaska.

(31) Ferguson, A. W., M. M. McDonough, R. J. Baker, M. L. Thies, P. J. Lewis, and M. Gabadirwe. 2009. Importance of Incorporating Genetic Diversity in Mammalian Surveys: A Case Study from Botswana’s Koanaka Hills. 89th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists, June 24-28 2009, Fairbanks, Alaska (Poster).

(30) Ferguson, A. W. and P. S. Williamson. 2009. Mortality of the Endangered Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias Lemaire) by the Cactus Longhorn Beetle (Moneilema armatum LeConte). 56^th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, April 23-25, 2009, Monterrey, Mexico (Poster).

(29) Ferguson, A. W. 2009. Adventures in Africa: A Mammalogical Perspective from Ngamiland, Botswana. Angelo State University Tri-Beta Meeting, March 11, 2009 (Invited Presentation).

(28) M. M. McDonough, A. W. Ferguson, R. J. Baker, P. J. Lewis, M. L. Thies, and M. Gabadirwe. 2009. Molecular Identification of Small Mammals from the Koanaka Hills (Nqcumtsa Hills) Region, Ngamiland, Botswana. 112^th Annual Meeting, Texas Academy of Science, March 5-7 2009, Junction, Texas.

(27) Brashear, W. A., R. C. Dowler, and A. W. Ferguson. 2009. Den Site Selection in the American Hog-Nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus. 112^th Annual Meeting, Texas Academy of Science, March 5-7 2009, Junction, Texas.

(26) Ferguson, A. W., M. M. McDonough, M. L. Thies, M. Gabadirwe, and P. J. Lewis. 2009. Mammals of the Koanaka (Nqcumtsa Hills) Region, Ngamiland, Botswana. 27^th Annual Meeting, Texas Society of Mammalogists, February 20-22 2009, Junction, Texas.

(25) Brashear, W. A., R. C. Dowler, and A. W. Ferguson. 2009. Home Range and Den Site Analysis of the American Hog-nosed Skunk, Conepatus leuconotus. 27^th Annual Meeting, Texas Society of Mammalogists, February 20-22 2009, Junction, Texas. (Winner- Rollin H. Baker Award for best Undergraduate Presentation).

(24) McDonough, M. M. and A. W. Ferguson.  2009. Molecular Identification of Mammals of the Koanaka Hills. Botswana National Museum, July 2009, Gabarone, Botswana (Invited Presentation)

(23) Dowler, R. C., C. E. Ebeling, and A. W. Ferguson. 2008. Strategies for Monitoring Skunk Populations in Texas. American Society of Mammalogists 88^th Annual Meeting, June 21-25 2008, Brookings, South Dakota.

(22) Ebeling, C. E., R. C. Dowler, and A. W. Ferguson. 2008. Comprehensive Strategy for Monitoring Skunk Populations in Texas. Southwestern Association of Naturalists 55^th Annual Meeting, April 10-12 2008, Memphis, Tennessee.

(21) Ferguson, A. W. and R. C. Dowler. 2008. Hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus) in Texas: a Current Assessment. Texas Society of Mammalogists 26^th Annual Meeting, February 22-24, 2008, Junction, Texas (Winner- William B. Davis Award-best oral presentation pertaining to classical mammalogy at the organismal level).

(20) Pinto, C. M., E. E. Tapia, F. A. Anwarali, M. R. Marchan, S. Ocana-Mayorga, A. G. Villacis, S. Solari, S. R. Hoofer, M. M. McDonough, A. W. Ferguson, J. C. Cokendolpher, M. J. Grijalva, and R. J. Baker. 2008. Bats from Southern Ecuador: Diversity, Roosts, Disease, and Human Impact. Texas Society of Mammalogists 26^th Annual Meeting, February 22-24, 2008, Junction, Texas.

(19) Dowler, R.C., C. E. Ebeling, and A.W. Ferguson. 2008. The Conservation Status of Skunks in Texas: Filling in the Gaps. Texas Wildlife Diversity Conference, January 17-19, 2008, Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas.

(18) Ferguson, A.W., S.A. Reames, and R.C. Dowler. 2007. Roadway Mortality of Hog-nosed Skunks (Conepatus leuconotus) in West-central Texas. Angelo State University, Student Academic Showcase, November 20, 2007, San Angelo, Texas (Poster).

(17) Ferguson, A.W., and L.K. Ammerman. 2007. Phylogenetic Assessment of African Shrews: An Emphasis on Paracrocidura. Angelo State University, Student Academic Showcase, November 20, 2007, San Angelo, Texas (Poster).

(16) Ferguson, A. W., A.W. Strong, J.M. Poole, S. Birnbaum, G.K. Janssen, and P.S. Williamson. 2007. Mammalian Herbivory and Star Cactus: Culprits, Threats, and Potential Solutions. 2007 Texas Plant Conservation Conference, September 19-21, 2007, Austin, Texas. (Invited Presentation)

(15) Ferguson, A.W., N.A. Currit, and F.W. Weckerly. 2007. Scaling in Home Range Size of Male and Female Bobcats (Lynx rufus). American Society of Mammalogists 87^th Annual Meeting, June 6-10, 2007, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

(16) Ferguson, A.W., A.W. Strong, J.M. Poole, S. Birnbaum, and P.S. Williamson. 2007. Effects of Mammalian Herbivory on Populations of the Endangered Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias). Southwestern Association of Naturalists 54^th Annual Meeting, April 19-22, 2007, Stephenville, Texas.

(15) Ferguson, A.W. and L.K. Ammerman. 2007. Molecular Identification and Phylogeny of African Shrews. Texas Academy of Science 110^th Annual Meeting, March 1-3, 2007, Waco, Texas.

(14) Ferguson, A.W. and L.K. Ammerman. 2007. Phylogenetic Relationships Within a Community of African Shrews (Soricimorpha: Soricidae). Texas Society of Mammalogists 25^th Anniversary Meeting, February 16-18, 2007, Junction, Texas. (Poster)

(13) McDonough, M., A.W. Ferguson, and L.K. Ammerman. 2007. Results of a Bat Survey in Ecuador: An Emphasis on Molossids. Texas Society of Mammalogists 25^th Anniversary Meeting, February 16-18, 2007, Junction, Texas. (Poster)

(12) Ferguson, A.W. and L.K. Ammerman. 2006. Genetic Validation of Cryptic Species: A Case Study Involving African Shrews. ASU Student Academic Showcase, November 21, 2006, San Angelo, Texas. (Poster)

(11) McDonough, M., A.W. Ferguson, and L.K. Ammerman. 2006. Bat Hunting in Ecuador: Results from Two Months in the Field. ASU Student Academic Showcase, November 21, 2006, San Angelo, Texas. (Poster)

(10) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Estimates and Effects of Vertebrate Predation of Drift Fence Associated Pitfall Traps. Texas Herpetological Society Meeting, November 18-19, 2005, Austin, Texas.

(9) Ferguson, A.W., M.M. McDonough, and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. A Preliminary Inventory of the Herpetofauna at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. Plenary Session: Research on Army Reserves. 52^nd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, April 14-16, 2005, Huntsville, Texas.

(8) McDonough, M.M., A.W. Ferguson, and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Mammalian survey of Camp Mabry TXARNG Training Site, Austin, Texas: A Problem with Non-natives. Plenary Session: Research on Army Reserves. 52^nd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, April 14-16, 2005, Huntsville, Texas.

(7) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Pitfall Traps: All You Can Eat Buffets for Predators. 2005.  Texas State University’s 10^th Annual Biology Student Colloquium, March 30, 2005, San Marcos, Texas.

(6) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Vertebrate Predator Influences on Pitfall Data: A Case Study Involving the Houston Toad. Texas Academy of Science 108^th Meeting, March 3-5, 2005, Edinburg, Texas.

(5) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2005. Active Predation of Drift Fence Arrays with Pitfall Traps: Consequences and Potential Solutions. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 40^th Meeting, February 24-26, 2005, Amarillo, Texas.

(4) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2004. Terrestrial Drift Fence Sampling for Anurans: Is Predation a Problem? Texas Herpetological Society Meeting, October 16-18, 2004, Waco, Texas.

(3) Forstner, M.R.J., T. Swannack, K. Greuter, S. Morris, S. Keifer, A.W. Ferguson, and J. Baccus. 2004. Quantitative aspects of Houston toad ecology. Wildlife  Diversity Conference, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, August 18-20, 2004, San Marcos, Texas. (Invited Presentation)

(2) Ferguson, A.W. and M.R.J. Forstner. 2004. Active Predation of Pitfall Traps at a Study Site for the Endangered Houston Toad (Bufo houstonensis). Southwestern Association of Naturalist 51^st Meeting, April 16-18, 2004, San Antonio, Texas.

(1) Forstner, M.R.J., T. Swannack, K. Greuter, S. Morris, S. Keifer, W. Lanier, A. Marquardt, A.W. Ferguson, and John Baccus. 2003. Status Assessment, Reproduction, Habitat Use, and Survivorship of Houston Toads Using New Techniques and Integrated Experimental Design. USFWS Endangered Species Seminar Series, December 17, 2003, Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Invited Presentation).

 

SERVICE ACTIVITIES

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American Society of Mammalogists Board of Directors- Student Member:
Jun 2011 – Present
Elected by the general membership of The American Society of Mammalogists to serve as the student representative on the Board of Directors.           

American Society of Mammalogists- Membership Committee- Member:
Jun 2012 – Present
Serving as a member of the newly reformatted Membership Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists. Responsibilities include helping to improve membership benefits and increase membership numbers.

Southwestern Assoc. of Naturalists Student Advisory Committee Co-Chair:
Apr 2011 – Present
Together with Nicté Ordoñéz-Garza, I serve as the co-chair of the student advisory committee, which is charged with representing students in various capacities within the SWAN organization.

Texas Tech University Association of Biologists, President:
Aug 2011 – Present
Presiding officer for our graduate student organization that possesses over 100 members, maintains an independent operating budget of $90,000, and functions as one of the major service organizations for the University, Department, and local community.

Manuscript Reviewer for Various Journals
The Southwestern Naturalist, Journal of Mammalogy, Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University, Canadian Field-Naturalist, Wildlife Society Bulletin, Small Carnivore Conservation, and Italian Journal of Zoology.

Texas Tech Association of Biologists/SORC Representative:
Aug 2010 – Aug 2011
Appointed as our graduate student organization’s SORC representative where I serve as an intermediate between our members and the Student Government Association.

Texas Tech Annual Biological Sciences Symposium Abstract Subcommittee Chair:
Feb 2010/2011
Organized, managed, and accepted abstracts for the First Annual Texas Tech Annual Biological Sciences Symposium. Scheduled the 57 talks and compiled these and other pertinent data into a printed abstract program (34 pp.) for distribution at the meeting. I am currently performing the same duties for our 2^nd Annual TTABBS symposium.

Texas Tech University Association of Biologists/Vice President:
June 2009 – August 2010
Elected Vice President for the Texas Tech University Association of Biologists. Duties include organizing travel funding for graduate students, assisting with graduate symposium, and helping run this graduate student service organization.

American Society of Mammalogists Conservation Committee-Member:
June 2009 – Present
Help to fulfill the ASM Conservation Committee’s mission of “promoting the conservation and welfare of natural populations of land mammals” through writing position letters, researching conservation issues, and coordinating conservation efforts with other societies.

Member of Texas Society of Mammalogists Auction Committee:
February 2007 – February 2013.

Solicit donations for the annual TSM auction from various organizations including Woodstream Inc., Tomahawk Live Trap Company, Academy, Lowe’s, and ten different University presses. Help organize and implement auction for fundraising at annual meeting.

Crockett Elementary School’s Family Science Night Volunteer, San Angelo, TX:
9 February 2007
Participated in the Crockett Elementary School’s Family Science Night as part of a team from the Angelo State Natural History Collection, Angelo State University, helping maintain the natural history booth and its associated interactive stations.

Angelo State University Science Days Volunteer:
October/November 2006, 2007
Hosted groups of fourth graders as part of the Angelo State Natural History Collections participation in ASU Science Days Program (www.angelo.edu/dept/chemistry/sciencedays.html).

Volunteer for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Expo;
October 2003, 2004, 2005
Worked at the sporting clay shooting station teaching people of all ages about gun safety, sporting clays, and shotgun handling.

President of the SWTSU Wildlife Society; January-August 2003
Organized events such as nature trail maintenance, elementary school educational events, skeet shoots, outdoor trips, and worked to establish a more collaborative, cooperative, and collective group of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the fields of wildlife biology at TXSU.

Vice President of Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society;
January 2003-August 2003
Participated in book/plant sales, annual Biology Department Colloquium, and other projects such as the Mexican American Engineer and Scientist convention.

Treasurer of the Wildlife Society;
January 2002-December 2002
Recorded monetary transactions, collected dues, and maintained account activity.

Volunteer on the Griffith League Ranch;
August 2001-January 2002
Participated in ongoing studies of Bufo houstonensis populations in Bastrop County, Texas

Volunteer for Daugherty Wildlife Management Area, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.
Assisted in public hunts, educated public on TPWD policies, and collected data from harvested animals.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS

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IUCN Small Carnivore Specialist Group (Since 2009)
Society for Conservation Biology (Since 2006)
American Society of Mammalogists (Since 2005)
Southwestern Association of Naturalists (Since 2005)
AAAS (Since 2008)
International Biogeography Society (Since 2012)
Sigma Xi (Since 2012)
The Nature Conservancy (Since 2006)
Texas Academy of Science (Since 2005)
Texas Society of Mammalogists (Since 2005)
The Wildlife Society (Since 2003)