Will Selman

Will Selman is an Associate Professor of Biology at Millsaps College, serving as Pre-Vet advisor and mentor for undergraduate research students. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning through field trips, kayaking in wetlands, and hands-on ecological projects across Mississippi's natural areas.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Biology from Millsaps College
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from The University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Selman's research centers on herpetology and ornithology within wetland ecosystems, with specific focus on threatened species conservation. His field studies examine box turtle population ecology and crawfish frog distribution patterns, building on prior work with endangered whooping crane reintroduction. This wildlife biology expertise extends to avian and reptilian conservation across Louisiana and Mississippi habitats.

Recent publications demonstrate his dual commitment to field research and student development, featuring urban turtle ecology studies and pandemic-era herpetofauna surveys. These works reveal consistent themes in urban conservation biology, geographic species distribution, and innovative field methodology across southeastern U.S. ecosystems.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized with:

• Two-Time Richard A. Smith Award for Excellence in Scholarship or Creative Work, Millsaps College

As Pre-Vet advisor, Dr. Selman guides students through competitive veterinary school applications while supervising research projects. His mentorship approach integrates classroom learning with real-world fieldwork, exemplified by the inclusion of 21 undergraduate students as co-authors on his 2022 herpetofauna publication.

Dr. Selman leads active field research teams conducting biodiversity surveys in Mississippi wetlands, utilizing kayaking expeditions and acoustic monitoring for species documentation. These teams have established new county records for reptiles and amphibians across three states, advancing regional conservation knowledge through student-involved science.