March 2026 Noon Lecture

Lecturers: Ashley Ruppel and Dr.David Ruppel

Description:

Freshwater mussels are a highly imperiled group of organisms with a unique life cycle involving parasitic larvae and elaborate methods of attracting their host fish. This talk will expand on the reproductive biology of freshwater mussels, describe intricate host attraction strategies, and will explore the ecology of host fish relationships.

Bios:

Ashley Ruppel received her M.S. in Aquatic Resources from Texas State University where she studied reproductive ecology of rare freshwater mussels. She has a background in captive propagation of freshwater mussels and currently works with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Mississippi Field Office in Jackson. Ashley protects listed species through Endangered Species Act enforcement and surveys for mussels at every opportunity.

David Ruppel received his Ph.D. in Aquatic Resources and Integrated Biology from Texas State University, where his research focused on identifying patterns that aid in understanding ecological processes and conservation statuses of riverine species and communities. David is now a researcher for the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg. Although his background was primarily in fish research, he has shifted his focus towards mussels, snails, and crayfish.