Department
Department of Biology
Email Address
heppardjes929@trinity.edu
Location
Center for the Sciences and Innovation
Room
329
Headshot of Jessica Heppard smiling gently in a green knit hat with earflaps and an orange-and-black striped scarf, standing on a ship's deck with mountains and calm water in the background.

Professor Jessica Heppard (Trinity University Class of 2015) returned to Trinity University after 8 years of teaching in higher education to serve as a the Lab Coordinator for the introductory biology lab sequence. Her research background is in animal behavior and conservation, and she has led multiple study abroad programs to Costa Rica to provide experiential learning opportunities. She is passionate about providing mentorship and supporting student success. 

Education

  • M.Sc. Biology, University of Mississippi
  • B.S. Honors Biology, B.A. Spanish, Minor History, Trinity University

Selected Publications

  • Heppard, J. M., & Buchholz, R. (2019). Impact of human disturbance on the thermoregulatory behaviour of the endangered ringed sawback turtle (Graptemys oculifera). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29(6), 990-1001.
  • Bosque, R. J., Lawrence, J. P., Buchholz, R., Colli, G. R., Heppard, J., & Noonan, B. (2018). Diversity of warning signal and social interaction influences the evolution of imperfect mimicry. Ecology and Evolution, 8(15), 7490-7499.
  • Buchholz, R., Dodd, C. E., & Heppard, J. M. (2018). Discovery of a synergistic effect of oxytocin on the efficacy of Alpha-Chloralose, a drug used for capturing and controlling birds. International Journal of Pest Management, 1-7.
  • Heppard, Jessica M., "Resource value as a mediating factor of aggression during within-sex competition between female Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)" (2015). Biology Honors Theses. 20.

Subjects Taught

  • BIOL 1111 (Integrative Biology Lab)
  • BIOL 2112 (Cells and Cells Systems Lab)

Teaching and Expertise

  • General Zoology
  • Biology for Science Majors I
  • Biology for Science Majors II
  • General Anatomy and Physiology
  • Nutrition and Diet Therapy
  • Independent Research Projects (Academic Cooperative in the Biological Sciences)

Honors & Awards

  • 2024: Council of American Overseas Research Centers, Overseas Faculty Development Seminar awardee: “Exploring Urban Sustainability through India’s Cities”
  • 2017: Three-Minute Thesis First Place in Masters Student Category: University of Mississippi Graduate School
  • 2016: Three-Minute Thesis Grand Prize Winner: University of Mississippi Graduate School