Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University, in partnership with nine zoos from across the country, will create the National Reptilian Immunology Database by crossing disciplines to address the global conservation crisis in reptiles. Samples from partnering zoos will be gathered from the extensive reptilian collections to establish the largest dataset of reptilian immunological profiles. The project will support a post-doctoral scholar, a PhD student, three undergraduate students, and nine interns who will assist in advancing a novel, integrative approach for confronting the collection care and conservation challenges in reptiles. The partner zoos will be equipped to connect with and train zoo professionals by establishing the Reptile Immunology Zoo Experts network. The project will also support the development and dissemination of the Virtual Immunology Zoo.