
Dr. Mark Mills
Title: Professor
Email: mmills3@missouriwestern.edu
Phone: (816)271-4384
Accepting Students: Yes
Quick Bio
Dr. Mark Mills has been at MoWest since 2008. His research interests include herpetology, vertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology, and ichthyology. He is also the Faculty Cosponsor for Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society..
Education/Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Ecology, University of Georgia
B.S. and M.A., University of Nebraska at Omaha
Campus Turtle Study
My students and I have been studying the ecology of turtles living in the 9 campus ponds since 2008. Using mark-recapture techniques, we have over 1000 captures of approximately 250 individually marked turtles of 5 native and 3 non-native species. To date, we have documented 77 turtles moving among campus ponds, with 3 turtles moving off or on campus from off-campus ponds.
Requirements
Preferably at least one Biology course; a strong interest in ecology and working in the field.
Spatial Ecology of Blanding’s Turtles at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
Working with Darrin Welchert, USFWS Wildlife Biologist, we are using radio-telemetry to document habitat use and movement patterns of this state-endangered turtle.
Requirements
Prefer students who have at least taken Ecology; ability to work in sometimes difficult and physically demanding environments (i.e. the marsh at Loess Bluffs NWR).
Other Ongoing Research
- Survey of the vertebrates of the Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie










