DALE WAYNE SPARKS, Ph. D.
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES
INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, USA 47809
EDUCATION:
1996-2003: Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Degree Earned: Doctor of Philosophy.
Advisor: John O. Whitaker, Jr. (Cornell University)
Dissertation Topic: How does urbanization impact bats?
1993-1996: Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Degree Earned: Master of Science
Advisor: Jerry R. Choate (The University of Kansas)
Thesis Topic: Distribution, Natural History, Conservation Status, and Biogeography of Bats in Kansas.
1989-1993: Murray State University, Murray, KY
Degree Earned: Bachelor of Science
Advisor: Cynthia E. Rebar (Kansas State University)
Major: Biological Science (Wildlife Biology Specialization)
Minor: Chemistry
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2000-Present: Assistant Curator of Vertebrates, Indiana State University
Duties: Responsible for the day to day operation of the Indiana State University Vertebrate Collection: recruited; interviewed and hired student workers; prepared specimens; answered information requests; processed loan requests; modernized data handling; and oversaw development of database for all collections. Prepared and taught wildlife management labs; developed a graduate-level courses in museum biology and mammalogy.
1998-Present: Graduate Research Assistant, Indiana State University
Duties: Directed a mitigation contract at the Indianapolis International Airport; interviewed and hired student workers; conducted studies of bat-use of artificial roosts; directed mist-net survey, directed radiotelemetry studies; coordinated mitigation activities with state, federal, and local agencies; directed field work; prepared grant proposals and final reports; supervised 3 undergraduate research projects.
1997: Bat Ecologist, Indiana State University
Duties: Assisted in directing a mitigation contract at the Indianapolis Airport; supervised two undergraduate researchers.
1996-1998: Graduate Assistant, Indiana State University, Office of Sponsored Programs/Office of Research
Duties: Aided principal investigators in finding, applying for, and managing grants and contracts; assistant editor of campus-wide newsletter; prepared and taught labs in herpetology; general secretarial work.
1994-1996: Research Associate, Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Duties: Conducted a state-wide survey of bats of Kansas—Captured and prepared specimens; recruited and directed volunteer field assistants; interacted with landowners; conducted public education programs; reexamined existing specimens; photographed bats; prepared reports for publication.
1993-1995: Teaching Assistant, Fort Hays State University
Duties: Prepared and taught labs in general zoology and general biology.
1993: Wildlife Technician, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Duties: Aided in efforts to reintroduce peregrine falcons in Kentucky; monitored growth and behavior of falcons;
liaison with general public and media; arranged for treatment and conducted first aide for injured falcons.
1991-1993: Coordinator Raptor Rehabilitation Center, Murray State University Student Chapter of The Wildlife
Society.
Duties: Supervised day-to-day operation of a student-run rehabilitation center; supervised and trained volunteers;
gave first aid to injured birds; coordinated treatment with veterinarian; presented public education programs;
coordinated an education program at the National Museum of the Boy Scouts of America.
1991-1993: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Murray State University
Duties: Prepared and taught laboratories in general botany and general biology.
1992: Wildlife Technician, U.S. Forest Service, McKenzie River District
Duties: Conducted surveys for spotted owls, goshawks, Townsend’s big eared bats, and red-legged frogs.
1991: Assistant Zoologist, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
Duties: Conducted biological inventory of the Jackson Purchase region—bats were sampled intensively.
CURRENT PERMITS AND LICENSES:
Subpermitted under John O. Whitaker, Jr. to capture and handle Indiana (Myotis sodalis) and Gray (M. grisescens) myotis.
State Wildlife Collecting Permit—Indiana Department of Natural Resources
HONORS:
2000: Outstanding Presentation in Zoology, Indiana Academy of Science Annual Meeting.
2000: Outstanding Graduate Research Presentation, Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
1999: Outstanding Presentation in Zoology, Indiana Academy of Science Annual Meeting.
1998-2001: Wabash Valley Audubon Society Conservation Chairman and Member of Executive Board
1995: Graduate Professional Paper Honorarium, Fort Hays State University
1995: President of Biology Club, Fort Hays State University
1993: Book Award for Outstanding Graduating Wildlife Student, Murray State University
1992: Outstanding Wildlife Student, Murray State University
1992: Collegiate Conservationist of the Year, Kentucky League of Sportsmen—Presented by Governor B.C. Jones
1991-1993: Kentucky Wildlife Federation/Kentucky League of Sportsmen Collegiate Scholarship.
1989-1990: Academic Achievement Scholarship, Murray State University.
1988: Eagle Scout
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
American Society of Mammalogists North Dakota Natural Science Society
1994-present 1994-present
Life Member
Southwestern Association of Naturalists Indiana Academy of Science
1994 1997-Present
Society for Conservation Biology The Wildlife Society
1999-Present 2000-Present
REVIEWER FOR:
The Prairie Naturalist Special Publications, Fort Hays State University
PUBLICATIONS:
Sparks, D. W., K. C. Chapman, and C. M. Ritzi. 2003. Additional ectoparasitic records of bats from Kansas. Prairie Naturalist, 35:49-52.
Sparks, D. W., M. T. Simmons, C. L. Gummer, and J. E. Duchamp. 2003. Disturbance of roosting bats by woodpeckers and raccoons. Northeastern Naturalist, 10:105-108.
Sparks, D. W., and E. W. Valdez. 2003. Food habits of Nyctinomops macrotis at a maternity roost in New Mexico, as indicated by analysis of guano. Southwestern Naturalist, 48:132-135
Ritzi, C. M., and D. W. Sparks. 2002. New ectoparasite records for the rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus grammurus) in Socorro County, New Mexico. Southwestern Entomologist, 27:257-262.
Ritzi, C. M., and E. W. Valdez, and D. W. Sparks. 2002. New host and locality records of bat ectoparasites from Arizona and New Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist, 47:453-456.
Sparks, D. W., J. A. Laborda, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. 1998 [2001]. Bats of the Indianapolis International Airport as compared to a more rural community of bats at Prairie Creek. Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 107:171-179.
Sparks, D. W., J. R. Choate, and R. J. Winn. 1999 [2000]. Observations on reproduction in three species of bats. The Prairie Naturalist, 31:245-248.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 2000. Distribution, natural history, conservation status, and biogeography of bats in Kansas. Pp: 173-228 In Reflections of a naturalist: papers honoring professor Eugene D. Fleharty (J. R. Choate, ed.), Fort Hays Studies, Special Issue 1: 1-241.
Sparks, D. W., K. J. Roberts, and C. Jones. 2000. Vertebrate predators on bats in North America North of Mexico. Pp: 229-241 In Reflections of a naturalist: papers honoring professor Eugene D. Fleharty (J. R. Choate, ed.), Fort Hays Studies, Special Issue 1: 1-241.
Sparks, D. W., A. G. Burr, M. N. Bass, and G. A. Liggett. 1999. New county distribution records of amphibians and reptiles from southwestern Kansas. Herpetological Review, 30:120-121.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1996. New distribution records of mammals from Kansas. The Prairie Naturalist, 27:185-192.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1995. Attempted predation on a short-tailed shrew by a common grackle. The Kentucky Warbler, 71:48.
MANUSCRIPTS ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION:
Foster, B. J., D. W. Sparks, and J. E. Duchamp. (In Press). Urban Herpetology I: new distribution records of amphibians and reptiles from the Indianapolis International Airport., Hendricks County, Indiana. Herpetological Review. Significance: Documents 11 new county distribution records for Hendricks County Indiana.
SUBMITTED MANUSCRIPTS:
Ritzi, C. M., B. L. Everson, B. J. Foster, J. J. Sheets, and D. W. Sparks. Changes in fish community structure along an urban/rural gradient in the East Fork of White Lick Creek, Hendricks and Marion Counties, Indiana. For Submitted to: Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science. Significance: This paper was developed from an Ichthyology class that I helped teach. The class documented 39 species of fish in the creek, and found that both biodiversity and abundance were positively correlated with distance from Indianapolis and distance from I-70.
Sparks, D. W., C. M. Ritzi, and John O. Whitaker, Jr. What do Indiana myotis do when they loose a roost? For submission to: Wildlife Society Bulletin. Significance: describes the behavior of Indiana myotis following natural loss of a roost.
Sparks, D. W., C. M. Ritzi, Joseph E. Duchamp, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. Foraging ecology of the Indiana myotis in an urban environment. Submitted to: Journal of Mammalogy. Significance: First detailed study of the foraging ecology of the Indiana myotis. Documents selective use of more rural habitats as compared to more urbanized habitats.
UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS BEING PREPARED FOR SUBMISSION:
Duchamp, J. E., D. W. Sparks, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. Movement across a rural/suburban gradient, a comparison of foraging in Nycticeius humeralis and Eptesicus fuscus. Submitted to: Canadian Journal of Zoology. Significance: Compares the foraging behaviors of two bats near the Indianapolis International Airport. One of these (Eptesicus) is an abundant species that uses multiple habitat types including urban areas. The other (Nycticeius) is a rare species which focuses its foraging in more pristine habitats.
Sparks, D. W., C. M. Ritzi, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. Bats and urbanization near the Indianapolis International Airport. For submission to: Ecography. Significant: Demonstrates a rapid decline in bat biodiversity and eveness as one approaches Indianapolis.
Sparks, D. W., J. E. Duchamp. C. M. Ritzi, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. Comparison of the natural roosts of Myotis septentrionalis, Nyctieius humeralis, and Myotis sodalis near the Indianapolis International Airport. For Submission to: Journal of Wildlife Management. Significance: Compares the roosting ecology of three local bats. Demonstrates that Indiana myotis and evening bats use very similar trees. Northern myotis are far more generalized in their roosting needs.
Sparks, D. W., J. K. Farrell, B. J. Foster, and J. E. Duchamp. Roosting ecology of the northern myotis in a managed forest. For Submission to: Journal of Wildlife Management. Significance: Comprehensive study of the roosting ecology of this species in the woodlands surrounding Indianapolis.
Sparks, D. W. Escape behavior of Northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) following diurnal disturbance. For submission to: American Midland Naturalist. Significance: First, tests and rejects the hypothesis that northern myotis are fleeing to a single roost after diurnal disturbance (banding). Then, tests the hypothesis that these bats were fleeing to areas of dense cover.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. Night Wings: the every-day persons guide to the bats of Kansas. Manuscript to be submitted to Kansas Wildlife and Parks for publication as a public education pamphlet. Significance: A modification of “Distribution, Natural History and Biogeography of Bats in Kansas” designed to serve as a reference to schoolteachers, agricultural extension agents, and interested naturalists. Also included a series of essays follow each species account and are intended to illustrate a variety of biological phenomena ranging from the legalities of taxonomy to minimal viable populations.
Foster, B. J., D. W. Sparks, and J. E. Duchamp. Urban Herpetology II: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Indianapolis International Airport Conservation Properties. For Submission To: Indiana Academy of Science. Significance: Describes the community of amphibians and reptiles at the Indianapolis International Airport. Includes survey of conservation properties surrounding the airport, examines the relationship of herptile biodiversity to urbanization, examines the value of urban retaining ponds as habitats for frogs.
Ritzi, C. M., D. W. Sparks, and B. C. Bartells. Food habits and ectoparasites of Elliot's short-tailed shrew (Blarina hylophaga) from Kansas. For submission to: Southwestern Naturalist. Significance: First report of the food habits and parasite fauna of a recently recognized species of shrew.
PAPERS PRESENTED:
Sparks, D. W., C. M. Ritzi, Joseph E. Duchamp, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. 2003. Foraging ecology of the Indiana myotis at the Indianapolis International Airport. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists
Sheets, J. J., C. M. Ritzi., B. L. Everson, B. J. Foster, S. S. Nard, and Sparks, D. W. 2002. Fishes of the Indianapolis International Airport, Marion and Hendricks Counties, Indiana. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
B. L. Everson, Sparks, D. W., C. M. Ritzi., and J. E. Duchamp. 2002. Foraging behavior of Indiana bats at the Indianapolis International Airport. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
S. S. Nard. B. J. Foster, Sparks, D. W., and J. E. Duchamp. 2002. Urban Herpetology: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Indianapolis International Airport. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., J. E. Duchamp, and C. M. Ritzi. 2002. Comparison of the roosting ecology of Myotis septentrionalis and Nycticeius humeralis. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists
Duchamp, J. and D. W. Sparks. 2002. Movement across a rural/suburban gradient, a comparison of foraging in Nycticeius humeralis and Eptesicus fuscus. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists
Sparks, D. W., J. E. Duchamp, and C. M. Ritzi. 2001. Do cavity-roosting bats partition roosts?. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., A. R. Krochmal, and W. A. Mitchell. 2001. Comparison of the reproductive biology f the northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) and the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) in Indiana. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Duchamp, J. and D. W. Sparks. 2001. Habitat preference of the evening bat, Nycticeius humeralis, in a developing urban area. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., and E. W. Valdez. 2001. Food habits of Nyctinomops macrotis as indicated by analysis of guano. Poster presented to: Southwestern Association of Naturalists.
Farrell, J. K., B. J. Foster, and D. W. Sparks. 2001. Roosting habitat of the northern myotis Myotis septentrionalis at the Indianapolis International Airport. Presented to: Southwestern Association of Naturalists.
Valdez, E. W. and D. W. Sparks. 2001. Food habits of the western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) in New Mexico. Poster presented to: Southwestern Association of Naturalists.
Farrell, J. K., D. W. Sparks, and B. J. Foster. 2001. Roosting habitat of the northern myotis Myotis septentrionalis at the Indianapolis International Airport. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., and A. R. Krochmal. 2001. Evidence for geographic variation in birth size of Myotis lucifugus. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., and A. R. Krochmal. 2000. Growth and Development of (Myotis lucifugus) in Poland, Indiana. Presented to: North American Bat Research Symposia.
Farrell, J. K., D. W. Sparks, and B. J. Foster. 2000. Vegetation surrounding the roost s of Myotis septentrionalis—a preliminary analysis. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., and A. R. Krochmal. 2000. Development of (Myotis lucifugus) in Poland, Indiana with comments on geographic vatiation. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., B. J. Foster, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. 1999. Behavioral correlates of swarming bats. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists
Farrell, J. K., D. W. Sparks, and J. A. Laborda. 2000. Preliminary analysis of the vegetation surrounding the roost s of Myotis septentrionalis. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase. Winner (JKF): Outstanding Undergraduate Presentation (Science).
Sparks, D. W., T. S. Crowe, and A. R. Krochmal. 2000. Patterns of growth and development of little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) at Poland, Indiana. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., B. J. Foster, and J. O. Whitaker, Jr. 1999. Notes on bats swarming at Copperhead Cave. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., and J. A. Laborda. 1999. Orientation of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) following release in daytime. Poster presented to: North American Bat Research Symposia.
Sparks, D. W., and J. A. Laborda. 1999. Orientation of northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) following release in daytime. Poster presented to: American Society of Mammalogists.
Sparks, D. W., J. A. Laborda, and P. A. Zollner. 1998. Orientation of northern myotis following release in daytime. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., J. A. Laborda, and P. A. Zollner. 1998. Orientation of northern myotis following release in daytime. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1998. Impacts of settlement on three species of bats in status of bats in Kansas. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1998. Impacts of settlement on three species of bats in status of bats in Kansas. Presented to: Indiana State University Graduate/Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1997. Impacts of settlement on the distribution and conservation status of bats in Kansas. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Sciences
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1995. Preliminary notes on the distribution and biogeography of bats in Kansas. Presented to: American Society of Mammalogists.
Sparks, D. W., and J. R. Choate. 1995. Preliminary notes on the distribution and biogeography of bats in Kansas. Presented to: Southwestern Association of Naturalists.
INVITED SEMINARS:
Sparks, D. W. 2003. How does urbanization impact bats? Presented as: Sternberg Museum Lecture Series.
Sparks, D. W. , and T. P. Simon. 2002. Managing small collections. Presented to: Indiana Academy of Science.
Sparks, D. W. 2002. Reproductive biology of the northern myotis. Presented to: Department of Life Sciences, Indiana State University.
Sparks, D. W. 2000. Copulation, growth, development, and roosting ecology of the northern myotis, Myotis septentrionalis. Presented to: Ball State University Student Wildlife Society.
Sparks, D. W. 1998. Distribution, conservation status, and historical biogeography of bats in Kansas. Presented to: Department of Life Sciences, Indiana State University.
Sparks, D. W. 1998. Orientation of northern myotis, Myotis septentrionalis, following release in Daytime. Presented to: Department of Biology, Fort Hays State University.
FUNDED EXTERNAL GRANTS AND CONTRACTS:
Total External Funding Acquired: $671,162.00
Sparks, D. W., and C. M. Ritzi. 2003. A proposal to study the ectoparasites and food habits of Blarina hylophaga from Kansas. Indiana Academy of Science, $1080.00
Whitaker, J. O., Jr., and D. W. Sparks. 2003. Proposal to monitor the Indiana myotis in a habitat conservation area near the proposed Six-Points Road Interchange. Indianapolis Airport Authority. $206,000.00.
Whitaker, J. O., Jr., and D. W. Sparks. 2002. Proposal to monitor the Indiana myotis in a habitat conservation area near the proposed Six-Points Road Interchange. Indianapolis Airport Authority. $225,000.00.
Sparks, D. W. 2001. Preliminary assessment of potential habitat for the evening bat at Thoroughbred Power Station. Hutton and Williams, $282.00.
Whitaker, J. O., Jr., J. A. Laborda, and D. W. Sparks. 1999. Proposal for 1999 field studies for interim mitigation of Indiana myotis (Myotis sodalis) at Indianapolis International Airport Marion and Hendricks Counties, Indiana. American Consulting Engineers, $238,000.00.
Sparks, D. W. 1998. Swarming and copulation of bats in Indiana. Indiana Academy of Science, $800.00.
FUNDED INTERNAL GRANTS AND CONTRACTS:
Total internal funding acquired: $2948.22
Sparks, D. W. 2002. Request for funds to pay reprint and page charges for publications. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $300.00
Sparks, D. W. 2002. Request for funds to purchase a spotting scope for research purposes. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $300.00
Sparks, D. W. 2002. Request for funds to attend the 2002 American Society of Mammalogists meeting. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $300.00
Sparks, D. W. 2002. Request for funds to purchase radiotransmitters for research. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $300.00
Sparks, D. W. 2001. Request for funds to replace a camera damaged during research activities. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $299.00
Sparks, D. W. 2001. Request for reimbursement of miles driven for research. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $299.78
Sparks, D. W. 2001. Request for funding to attend the 2000 spring meetings. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $125.00
Sparks, D. W. 2000. Request for funding to attend the 2000 meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $100.00
Sparks, D. W. 2000. Request for funding to attend the 2000 North American Symposia for Bat Research. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $125.00
Sparks, D. W. 1999. Request for funding to attend the 1999 North American Symposia for Bat Research. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $125.00
Sparks, D. W. 1999. Request for funding to attend the 1999 meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $175.00
Sparks, D. W. 1999. Request for funding to purchase a set of digital calipers. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $125.00
Sparks, D. W. 1998. Request for funding to attend the 1998 meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. Indiana State University, School of Graduate Studies. $275.00
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Urban Ecology, Animal/Agricultural Interactions, Management and Conservation of Endangered Species, Habitat Selection and Use by Wild Animals, Food Habits of Wild Mammals, Ectoparasites of Wild Animals.
CAREER GOAL:
To obtain a tenured position at a small university where I can combine a continuing research program with either advanced undergraduate or graduate students.