Congratulations to Eva Greco and Jacob Smith, the 2026 recipients of the Dean E. Metter Memorial Award!
Eva is advised by Dr. Robert Espinoza and is currently earning a master’s degree at California State University, Northridge. Eva’s research objective is to determine if island fence lizards have shifted their thermal physiology to compensate for lower island temperatures? She plans to compare thermal environments among island and continental sites, record field body temperatures from the two populations, test thermal preferences using laboratory experiments, assess thermal tolerances in the lab, and finally analyze locomotor performances at different temperatures.
Jacob is working on a master’s degree under the tutelage of Dr. Chris Feldman at University of Nevada, Reno. Jacob’s research focuses on mechanisms behind snake and gecko resistance to Arizona bark scorpion venom (ABSV) through an integrative approach. Jacob plans on examining the effects of ABSV at the whole animal level, how ABSV affects critical tissues, and unraveling the genetic basis of venom resistance.
Dean (Doc) Metter was a faculty member in the Department of Zoology at the University of Missouri—Columbia and then the Division of Biological Sciences at that institution for approximately 30 years. A believer in putting knowledge to the test in the field, Doc provided frequent opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork. This award honors Doc’s legacy and dedication to his students. Stay tuned for the next award cycle! Applications are due annually on December 15. Follow the link to learn more: https://ssarherps.org/ssar-awards/dean-metter-memorial-award/.