Laura Adamovicz, Ph.D.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Laura Adamovicz, Ph.D.
Laura is a veterinary epidemiologist performing field-based, conservation-focused research supporting the wellness of wildlife in Illinois and beyond. She earned a DVM from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Illinois in 2019. Laura now works as a Research Scientist at the University of Illinois, where she divides her time between the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory. Her responsibilities include developing diagnostic tests for wildlife diseases, conducting field and laboratory studies that promote wildlife health, and mentoring veterinary and graduate students to become successful clinician-scientists.
Project Summary
Development of an Infectious Disease Surveillance Program to Support the Conservation of Chicagoland Turtle Communities
Many species of turtles, including those in Illinois, are declining due to habitat loss, road mortality, overharvesting, and nest predation. In addition to these factors, disease outbreaks can threaten the sustainability of turtle populations and interfere with planned conservation activities. However, the occurrence and severity of diseases in wild turtles are poorly understood, leaving us unprepared to intervene and manage disease threats. Laura’s study will establish an infectious disease surveillance program for freshwater turtle communities in Chicagoland. This will allow researchers to rapidly identify and respond to emerging diseases in both threatened and common species and support the conservation of turtle and wetland biodiversity.
