Biology and Conservation of Southern Appalachian Mammals
4 Credit Hours
July 6–17, 2026
Instructor:Dr. Catherine Haase, Associate Professor, Department of Biology; Principal Investigator, Center of Excellence for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University
Cost: $1,000.00
Explore the remarkable diversity of mammals that call the Southern Appalachian Mountains home. This intensive field course blends lecture, laboratory, and hands-on field experiences to immerse students in the biology, ecology, and conservation of regional mammalian species.
Students will study the defining characteristics, taxonomy, and adaptations of major mammalian Orders and Families—paying particular attention to those species most representative of the Southern Appalachians. In the lab, participants will work with museum specimens such as skulls and skins to develop identification and diagnostic skills while learning key terminology in anatomy and morphology.
Field components of the course will introduce essential wildlife research techniques, including live-trapping with Sherman traps, mark-recapture studies, and radio telemetry for tracking movement and population ecology. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret field data that reflect professional research practices in mammalogy and conservation biology.
Lecture topics will cover mammalian physiology, metabolism and thermoregulation, reproductive strategies, environmental adaptations, feeding ecology, spatial behavior, and the conservation challenges facing Appalachian mammal populations. Assessments include a lab practical, a lecture exam, and an oral presentation focusing on a unique adaptation that enables a mammalian species to thrive in this biodiverse region.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify local mammal species and understand their ecological and physiological adaptations
- Apply analytical and field techniques to evaluate habitat use and population dynamics
- Gain practical experience that builds a foundation for careers in wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation science
This course offers a comprehensive and immersive introduction to mammalogy and field ecology within one of North America’s most biologically rich mountain regions.
$1,000.00
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Catherine Haase is an wildlife ecologist and Associate Professor at Austin Peay State University whose research focuses on mammal ecology and ecophysiology, with particular emphasis on small mammal conservation in the southeast. Her work integrates ecological modeling, field-based data collection, and statistical analysis to understand patterns of thermal biology, resource use, and disease. She received her BS in Wildlife Biology from Unity College in Maine, MS in Conservation Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology-Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. Her previous research has spanned species such as moose, gray wolves, Florida manatees, and Galapagos sea lions.
haasec@apsu.edu