DTWG Research Grants
The DTWG is pleased to offer student research grants and awards to recognize outstanding student contributions to terrapin research, distinguished service to the DTWG, and the work of individuals and organizations that have made sustained, notable efforts towards education and actions for terrapin conservation.
​
2024 Call for Grants Awards
The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group (DTWG) is issuing a call for proposals for research/education involving conservation and management of diamondback terrapins.
Grant amounts: Three or more meritorious grant awards up to $1000 each.
Eligibility: Applicants must be DTWG members. For student applicants, a brief letter from the faculty mentor should accompany the proposal.
​
Click the button to view the full 2024 grant program description and application instructions.
​
Applications are due 11:59 PM EST, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
​
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by April 15, 2024, and funds will be sent to awardees by May 1, 2024.
​
​
​
​
Past Grant Recipients
2023
Kelsey Krumm, Ohio University (graduate student): Where Are They Now? Evaluating Movement and Dispersal of Captive-Reared vs. Native Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)
Griffin Kennedy, Ohio University (graduate student): Investigating Potential Social Behavior in Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)
Jordan Donini, Florida Southwestern State College (professor of biology): Home Range, Habitat Use, and Nest Site Identification of Mangrove Diamond-Backed Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) in Collier County, Florida
​
2022
John Michael Arnett, Western Connecticut State University, "Effects of urbanized roadways on the Northern Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin terrapin (Schoepff 1793)"
Jasmine Pierre, University of North Carolina Wilmington, "Osmotic status of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) under natural conditions"
​
2021
Jason Alstad, "Developing LORA technology to better understand Diamondback Terrapin spatial ecology"
Robby Brannum, University of Alabama Birmingham, "Development of a testosterone testing technique for examining sex ratios in the juvenile portion of the Diamondback Terrapin population: monitoring impact of global climate change"
Forrest Collins, University of Alabama Birmingham, "Application of stable isotope technology for evaluating the foraging ecology of the Diamondback Terrapin in the northern Gulf of Mexico"
​
2020
Danielle Bradke, University of Georgia, "Using genetics to estimate dispersal of Diamondback Terrapins on Jekyll Island, Georgia"
​
Iwo Gross, Auburn University, "Sexy sons and darling daughters: overcoming sexual conflict in a polyandrous reptile through temperature-dependent sex determination"
Amanda Lyons, Brown University, "Genetic analysis of Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations in the northeastern United States"
​
Marianne Walch, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, "Inland Bays Diamondback Terrapin survey and conservation project"
​
DTWG Awards
Sornborger Citizen Conservation Award
This was established in 2020 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated long-term and substantive efforts to promote education and actions for the conservation of Diamondback terrapins. Any DTWG member may submit a recommendation for an award recipient to be considered by the DTWG board. Non-DTWG individuals or organizations should contact an active DTWG member if they wish to propose a nominee.
​
Recipients
​
2020 - Charlotte Sornborger (inaugural recipient)
2022 - Steve Barry
​
​
Community Conservation Award
In 2022, The DTWG will begin recognizing public or private organizations that have demonstrated long-term and substantive efforts to promote education and actions for the conservation of Diamondback terrapins. Any DTWG member may submit a nomination for meritorious organization to be considered by the DTWG board. Non-DTWG individuals or organizations should contact an active DTWG member if they wish to nominate an organization.
​
Recipients
​
2022 - Skidaway Audubon Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project
Student Awards
The DTWG offer Student Travel Awards and Outstanding Presentation and Outstanding Poster Awards associated with its Triennial Workshop.
​
The next Triennial Workshop is planned for 2022 in Athens, GA.
​
More information on student travel and presentation awards will be available closer to the workshop.
​
2022 Awardees
Best oral presentation - Brett Wilson
Oral presentation honorable mention - Danielle Bradke
​
Best poster presentation - Jasmine Pierre
Poster presentation honorable mention - C. Dare Scott
Terrapin Conservation Award
The Terrapin Conservation Award is given to a member of the DTWG who has demonstrated a long-term and distinguished contribution to our knowledge of terrapin, public awareness of terrapins, or the conservation of terrapins and has demonstrated a sustained commitment in service to the DTWG. Recipients of the Terrapin Conservation Award are determined by the DTWG Board.
​
Past recipients:
2004 - Dr. Roger Conant Wood, Wetlands Institute
2010 - Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons, University of Georgia
2013 - Dr. Joseph Butler, University of North Florida
2016 - Dr. Willem Roosenburg, Ohio University
2019 - Dr. Russell Burke, Hofstra University
2022 - Dr. Barbara Brennessel, Wheaton College