Tuesday: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Ph.D. in Biology, Mentor: Dr. Paul A. Moore, Bowling Green State University- Bowling Green, Ohio
M.S. in Biology, Mentor: Dr. Paul A. Moore, Bowling Green State University- Bowling Green, Ohio
B.S. in Marine Science and Biology, University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Dr. Wofford-Mares specializes in aquatic and marine biology, animal behavior and communication. Her research and classroom experiences have led her to study unique organisms such as crayfish, sea anemones, apple snails and even humans. She has been published in various journals, including the Journal of Crustacean Biology. Her interests include how organisms gain information from their environment and how that affects their behavior and performance.
Dr. Wofford-Mares believes a huge part of learning is making content engaging and relevant, helping her students to think and behave like scientists. In previous courses, Wofford-Mares helped students launch semester-long research experiments, discuss complex biological topics with experts in the field, and even take an “escape room” themed final.
Outside of the lab and the classroom, Wofford-Mares loves conservation and scientific outreach. She gives talks at state parks, engaging with citizen science projects and educating the public about human impacts on local ecosystems. She has spent many summers on the Emerald Coast and loves getting the chance to share the area’s robust biodiversity with others. When Wofford-Mares is not on campus, she loves traveling to new places and trying new foods with her husband, plus snuggling with her cat (Bandit) and dog (Daisy). She also enjoys disc golf, hiking, and just being outside.
CURRICULUM VITAE
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2022- Present Visiting Researcher, Department of Biology, University of West Florida
2021-2022 Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of West Florida
2021-Present Adjunct Professor of Biology, Department of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2018-2021 Assistant Professor of Biology, Department of Biology, Jacksonville State University
EDUCATION
2013-2017 Ph.D. in Biology, Mentor: Dr. Paul A. Moore
Bowling Green State University- Bowling Green, Ohio
2011-2013 M.S. in Biology, Mentor: Dr. Paul A. Moore
Bowling Green State University- Bowling Green, Ohio
2007-2011 B.S. in Marine Science and Biology
University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
PUBLICATIONS
† denotes undergraduate author
Peer-Reviewed Articles and Chapters
- Wofford, S.J. and Tolley-Jordan, Lori R. (IN PREP) Inquiry based learning on a budget: Lessons from general organismal biology and general ecology laboratories.
- Wofford, S.J. and Moore, P.A. (IN PREP). Lack of chemical information changes mixed sex fight dynamics in crayfish contests.
- Rocco, A.J. and Wofford, S.J. (2022). Comparative aggression between a native and invasive crayfish species in Alabama. Journal of Crustacean Biology.
- Wofford, S.J., LaPlante, P.M.† , and Moore, P.A. (2017) Information depends on context: Behavioral response to chemical signals depends on sex and size of crayfish contests. Behaviour. 154 (3): 287-312.
- Wofford, S.J. and Moore, P.A. Shifting Dominance. (2016) In T.K. Shackelford and V.A. Weekes-Shackelford. (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science.
- Jurcak, A.M., Lahman, S.E, Wofford, S.J., and Moore, P.A. (2016) Behavior of freshwater crayfish. In M. Longshaw and P. Stebbing (Eds.) The Ecology and Biology of Freshwater Crayfish.
- Chibucos, K., Wofford, S.J. & Moore, P.A. (2015) Hierarchical decision making: resource distribution exhibits stronger effects on crayfish dominance relationships and shelter occupation than prior social experience and resource ownership. Behaviour, 152(7-8): 1063-1082.
- Wofford, S.J., Earley, R.L. & Moore, P.A. (2015) Evidence for assessment disappears in mixed-sex contests of the crayfish, Orconectes virilis. Behaviour, 152(5): 995-1018.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor of Record, University of West Florida
2021-2022 Ecology Laboratory
Concepts in Oceanography and Marine Biology
Conservation Biology
Directed Studies
Biotic Response to Sea Level Change (*taught at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, scheduled Summer 2022)
Instructor of Record, Jacksonville State University
2018-Present Introductory Biology II
Introductory Biology II CURE: Alabamazon
Introductory Biology II Special Topic: Alabamazon
Honors Introductory Biology II Laboratory
Ecology and Ecology Laboratory
Advanced Topics: Intro to Coding with R
Ornithology and Ornithology Laboratory
Biotic Response to Sea Level Change (*taught at Dauphin Island Sea Lab)
Directed Studies
Independent Studies
Lab Practicum II
Population and Community Ecology (Graduate Course)
Physiological Adaptations: Sensory Biology (Graduate Course)
Thesis Research (Graduate Course)
Laboratory Coordinator, Introductory Biology II Laboratory Course-Based Undergraduate Experience
Instructor of Record, Bowling Green State University
Fall 2016 Scientific Writing I (Graduate Seminar)
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Bowling Green State University
2011-2017 Ornithology Laboratory
Animal Behavior Laboratory
Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
Honors Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
Environment of Life Laboratory
MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Graduate Students Advised – Jacksonville State University
- 2020-2022 Andrea Adams, M.S. Thesis title: Do different populations of invasive apple snails have varied chemical landscapes and predator response behaviors?
- 2020-2021 Bethany Walker, M.S. Thesis title: Can providing positive interactions with snakes change a person’s perception of dangerous wildlife interactions?
- 2018-2020 Alex Rocco, M.S. Thesis title: Interspecific interaction dynamics of crayfishes (Family: Cambaridae)
- 2018-2019 Micah Burns, M.S. Thesis title: The effects of sleep-deprivation on social memory in an Invertebrate species, Faxonius erichsonianus.
Undergraduate Students Advised – Jacksonville State University
- 2018-2021 Allison Stanley Role of odor in sexual selection in crayfish
- 2018-2021 Austin Reed Impacts of aquatic noise pollution on crayfish aggression
- 2019-2020 Rebecca Blair Predation threat impacts on crayfish contest behaviors
- 2018-2020 Andrea Adams Non-consumptive effects on habitat selection in crayfish
Undergraduate Students Advised – University of West Florida
- 2021-2022 Ian Barkhuizen Role of parasite load on crayfish chemical signaling
- 2021-2022 Leah Strickler Can A. pallida anemones establish dominance hierarchies?
- 2021-2022 Anna List Impacts of artificial reefs and angler practices on sea turtle bycatch
- 2021-2022 Hunter Brown Differential chemical communication by male crayfish
- 2021-2022 Conor Flannigan Role of parasite load on crayfish aggression
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Principal Investigator, Behavioral and Sensory Ecology Laboratory
2018-Present Exploring the impacts of shifting environmental and social contexts on aggressive behavior. Past research topics in the lab have focused on ascertaining the influence of sleep deprivation on social recognition and hierarchy establishment and quantifying the impacts of an invasive species on behavioral and ecological displacement of native species. Current projects examine the effectiveness of
environmental education programs, chemical landscapes of invasive apple snails, impact of angler practices on sea turtle bycatch, and crayfish chemical communication under varied contexts.
Bowling Green State University, PhD student, Laboratory of Sensory Ecology
2013-2017 Completed my doctoral dissertation, the focus of which was to examine the mechanisms of differential information use of invasive species under varied environmental and social conditions. Found that males and females of one species uses different sources of information for aggressive social interactions, and that these differences are dependent on surrounding social and environmental context (i.e. information and resource availability).
University of Michigan Biological Station, Visiting Researcher
2012, 2014, Carried out graduate research over a two month period at a specialized stream facility at 2016 the University of Michigan Biological Station and in rivers and lakes in the surrounding area. Also assisted in research project design and completion for several undergraduate and graduate projects which were also held at the stream facility.
Bowling Green State University, Masters student, Laboratory of Sensory Ecology
2011-2013 Completed the investigation, design, and publication of independent research on assessment strategies utilized in aggressive social behaviors of aquatic invertebrate, with a specific focus in the novel and unique study of agonism in female crayfish and mixed sex interactions.
INVITED TALKS
2022 “Hidden Diversity: How do genes influence conservation?” Guest Seminar, Florida State University Panama City
2022 “Should I stay or should I go? Making decisions under shifting ecological and social conditions” Guest seminar, University of West Florida
2020 “Figuring out the CURE: The Challenges and Rewards of Integrating Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences.” Faculty speaker for Professional Development Series, Jacksonville State University Faculty Commons
2019 “Escaping the Classroom: Using games to build student understanding and relationships.”Faculty speaker for Exceptional Teacher Series, Jacksonville State University Faculty Commons
2019 “Should I stay or should I go? Making decisions under shifting ecological and social conditions” Guest seminar, Dauphin Island Sea Lab
2017 “The smell of victory (or defeat): The role of chemical signals in social interactions.” Guest seminar, Monell Chemical Senses Center
“Battle of the Sexes: How do contest resolution strategies differ for males and females?” Biological Sciences Departmental Seminar, Bowling Green State University
2016 “Invisible Information: The role of chemical communication in competition.” Biological Sciences Departmental Seminar, Mount Olive University
2015 “Why Fight? How do we measure decision-making during contests?” Game Theory and Biomathematics Seminar, Florida State University
CONFERENCE ACTIVITY AND PRESENTATIONS
† denotes student presenter, Dr. Wofford-Mares as second author
- 2020 †Battle of the Benthic: Studying agonistic interactions between a native and invasive crayfish species. Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2020. Austin, Texas.
- †Using a Complex Chemical Landscape to Find an Ideal Habitat under Predation Threat. Poster Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2020. Austin, Texas.
- †Turn it Down! The effects of Acoustic Stimuli on Contest Dynamics in Crayfish. Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2020. Austin, Texas.
- Urine for a Fight: Sex-based differences in crayfish contest signaling. Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2020. Austin, Texas.
- 2019 “Alabamazon: Discovering Alabama’s biodiversity in your own backyard” Education Share Fair. Life Discovery Biology Education Conference. March 21-23, 2019. Gainesville, Florida.
- 2017 “‘Beginner Naturalist’ Booklet and Certificate Program” Group Presentation, Final Project Proposals 2017 Mississippi Master Naturalist Program. October 17, 2017. Biloxi, Mississippi.
- 2017 “Using weak signals to balance human progress with environmental health and sustainability.” Group Presentation, LabEx COTE Summer School. July 7, 2017. Cadillac, Gironde, France.
- “Sense and chemosensory ability: How does blocking olfaction alter contest assessment in crayfish?” Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2017. New Orleans, Louisiana.
- 2016 “Sniffing out the competition: Examining the role of chemical signals in same sex and mixed sex crayfish contests.” Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2016. Portland, Oregon.
- 2015 “What’s smell got to do with it? How does blocking chemical communication affect assessment in crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)?” Oral Presentation, SICB annual meeting, January 3-7, 2015. West Palm Beach, Florida.
GRANTS
- 2022 OUR Project award with Ian Barkhuizen entitled “Effects of Parasites on Chemical Signaling and Contest Behavior in Crayfish” [$500], University of W. Florida Office of Undergraduate Research
- OUR Project award with Leah Strickler entitled “Combative interactions between Aiptasia pallida individuals in a controlled environment.” [$500], University of W. Florida Office of Undergraduate Research
- 2021 OUR Project award with Anna List entitled “Investigating disproportionate sea turtle catch rate differences at local fishing piers” [$475], University of W. Florida Office of Undergraduate Research
- OUR Project award with Hunter Brown entitled “The effects of differences in signal availability on male crayfish contests.” [$250], University of W. Florida Office of Undergraduate Research
- OUR Project award with Conor Flannigan entitled “The comparative effects of parasite load and increased serotonin levels on crayfish aggression.” [$450], University of W. Florida Office of Undergraduate Research
- Sustainability of Current and Future Shoreline Solutions Under Rising Sea Level Scenarios [$400,000/3 years], Grant Proposal for the Alabama Center of Excellence
- 2020 Faculty Research Grant [$2000], Jacksonville State University
- 2019 Faculty Research Grant [$3000], Jacksonville State University
- 2019 Improving Science Education Initiative Grant entitled “Inquiry based learning using the model of course based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in General Ecology Labs: a lab manual for current and future Biology Majors, Minors, and General Science Education Majors” [$3000], School of Science, Jacksonville State University
- 2018 Improving Science Education Initiative Grant entitled “Using electronic response systems to achieve SLOs in an Introductory Biology Course” [$2500], School of Science, Jacksonville State University
- 2018 Faculty Research Grant [$3000], Jacksonville State University
AWARDS & HONORS
2019 Travel Award, Ecological Society of America Doing Science Biology Education Conference
Invited participant, Weaving the Future of Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior Society
2017 Distinguished Dissertation Award, Bowling Green State University
Invited participant, COTE Summer School, Université de Bordeaux
Jill Carr Outstanding Graduate Student Award Finalist, Graduate Student Senate, BGSU
2016 Marian P. and David M. Gates Graduate Student Award, University of Michigan Biological Station
J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, the Mind, and Behavior Travel Award, BGSU
2015 Oman Graduate Scholarship, Bowling Green State University
Charlotte Mangum Travel Award, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, the Mind, and Behavior Travel Award, BGSU
2014 Marian P. and David M. Gates Graduate Student Award, University of Michigan Biological Station
Scholarship Award in Ecology and/or Behavior, The Crustacean Society
Charlotte Mangum Travel Award, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, the Mind, and Behavior Travel Award, BGSU
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
2019-Present Full member, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
2019-Present Animal Behavior Society
2017-Present Mississippi Extension Master Naturalist
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2021 Participant, High Impact Practices Workshop, University of West Florida
2020 Web-Enhanced Training Program Mentor, School of Science, Jacksonville State University
2019 Weaving the Future of Animal Behavior Workshop, Animal Behavior Society
2019 5th Life Discovery Biology Education Conference, Ecological Society of America
2018 Innovative Teacher Series, Faculty Commons, Jacksonville State University
2018 Effective Teacher Series, Faculty Commons, Jacksonville State University
2017 COTE Summer School, Universite de Bordeaux
SERVICE TO PROFESSION
Faculty mentor, Transitions in Science Panel (hosted by Student and Postdoc Affairs committee, SICB)
Anonymous Reviewer for Ethology Journal (Impact Factor: 1.525)
Anonymous Reviewer for Freshwater Science Journal (Impact Factor: 2.344)
Anonymous Reviewer for the Journal of Crustacean Biology (Impact Factor: 1.254)
DEPARTMENTAL & UNIVERSITY SERVICE
2021 Faculty Mentor, OUR Explorers, Univ. of West Florida
2021 Faculty Reviewer, Office of Undergraduate Research Project Awards, Univ. of West Florida
2021 Search Committee Chair for Assistant Professor of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2020 Search Committee for Assistant Professor of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2020 Search Committee for Assistant Professor of Geography, Jacksonville State University
2020 Search Committee for Head of Graduate Studies, Jacksonville State University
2019-2021 Graduate Program Chair, Dept of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2019-2021 School of Science Policy Task Force, Jacksonville State University
2019-2020 Mentor, Women’s Leadership House, Jacksonville State University
2019 Search Committee for Assistant Professor of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2018-Present Graduate student mentor, Department of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2018-2021 Undergraduate mentor, Department of Biology, Jacksonville State University
2018-2021 Faculty Committee for CURE Development, Biology Department, Jacksonville State University
2018-2020 Co-founder, STEAMy Ladies working group, Jacksonville State University
2015-2017 Undergraduate mentor, Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University
2014-2016 Biology Graduate Committee Representative, Bowling Green State University
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & OUTREACH
2022 Co-Coordinator, University of West Florida Longleaf Pine Project
2022 Guest presenter at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology
2021 Co-Presenter, HerpFest, Anniston Museum of Natural History
2019 Local Zone Coordinator and Volunteer, 31st Alabama Coastal Cleanup
2019 Faculty Volunteer, JSU Move-In Day
2018 Campfire Talk Presenter, DeSoto State Park, Alabama
2018 Volunteer, Kids Zone, Celebrate Jacksonville Arts Fair
2018 Faculty Instructor, JSU Kids College Summer Program
2018 Recycling Coordinator and Volunteer, 30th Alabama Coastal Cleanup
2016-2018 Pen pal, Letters to a Pre-Scientist Program
2016 Co-coordinator, “The Five Senses” at STEM in the Park outreach event, Bowling Green, OH