Thea M. Edwards
Ph.D. student

Contact Information:
Department of Zoology
223 Bartram Hall
PO Box 118525
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-8525
Voice: 352-392-1098
Fax: 352-392-3704
Email: tedwards@zoology.ufl.edu

Degrees: B.S. (1991) Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; M.S. (1994) Horticulture, University of Florida; M.S. T. (1997) Botany, University of Florida

Research Interests:
As our planet becomes more polluted and more populated, we are increasingly challenged to promote ecological health in the face of these negative impacts. One important aspect of a healthy ecology is successful reproduction, development, and growth of animal species. In terms of applied research, I am interested in how ecological contaminants, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals, affect reproductive and developmental physiology of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. In addition, by studying model organisms of these taxa, we gain insight into how humans may also be affected. To help address these applied questions, I also engage in basic reproductive research to understand what is normal for these organisms, and to elucidate the physiological mechanisms that govern reproduction and development, under both normal and disrupted conditions.

Recent Publications

1. Edwards, T.M., T. Nell, and J.E. Barrett. 1994. Ethylene Effects on Miniature Potted Roses. Abstract published in HortScience, 29(5): 431.
2. Gunderson, MP, DS Bermudez, TA Bryan, DA Crain, S Degala, TM Edwards, S Kools, MR Milnes, AR Woodward, LJ Guillette, Jr. (2002) Temporal and spatial variation in plasma thyroxin (T4) concentrations in juvenile alligators collected from Lake Okeechobee and the northern Everglades. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:914-921.
3. Edwards, T.M., Gunderson, M.P. and Guillette, L.J. Variation in gonadotropin-induced testosterone synthesis in juvenile alligators from contaminated and reference lakes. In preparation.
4. Toft, G., Edwards, T.M., Baatrup, E, and Guillette, L.J. In preparation. Disturbed sexual characteristics in male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) from a lake contaminated with endocrine disruptors. In preparation.

Hobbies/Personal Interests - dancing, movies, rollerblading, almost anything outdoors, getting dirty and sweaty, photographing sunsets on every coast and continent (3 of each so far), snorkeling coral reefs, and swimming - in any body of water, as long as it lacks crocodiles.