Brad has served as the department’s curator since 2000. Prior to this he worked as a postdoctoral fellow, guest curator of exhibits, expedition lead herpetologist, museum store employee, and volunteer. He received his doctorate from Loma Linda University and both his M.S. and B.S. from San Diego State University. Brad’s research focuses on the evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna of Baja California and its associated islands. Brad is also an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University. Brad can be reached at 619.255.0277 or by using our contact form under "Research".
Adam began serving as the collection manager for the department in early 2023. He received his B.S. from the University of California-Davis and his doctorate from the University of Georgia, followed by a postdoctoral appointment at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Adam is passionate about conservation, ecology, biogeography, and systematics of amphibians and reptiles (particularly alligator lizards!). He is thrilled to advance those interests by facilitating the care, use, and growth of The Nat’s herpetology collection. Adam can be reached at 619.255.0313 or by using our contact form under "Research".
Patricia Galina Tessaro, Ph.D., Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas de Noroeste
Lee Grismer, Ph.D., La Sierra University
Tod Reeder, Ph.D., San Diego State University
Dean Leavitt, Ph.D., San Diego Mesa College
Anny Peralta-Garcia, Ph.D., Fauna del Noroeste
Clark Mahrdt, Southwest Biological Associates
Frank Santana, City of San Diego
Dick Schwenkmeyer, San Diego Mesa College, Retired
Jorge H. Valdez Villavicencio, Fauna del Noroeste
Dustin Wood, United States Geological Survey
Jackson D. Shedd, M.S., Herpetological Review
The day-to-day accomplishments of the Department of Herpetology are made possible by the efforts of our volunteers. Volunteer projects mostly focus on aspects of collection care and renovation, along with specimen preservation and digitization. However, the activities of our department are diverse. Depending on their skills and interests, volunteers can potentially devote themselves to a wide array of projects. Our goal is to offer a fun, productive space for a vibrant team of nature afficionados!
We are always seeking exceptional volunteers with a commitment to science, conservation, and collections. Prior experience with wildlife and particularly herpetology is a plus, but not required. Being comfortable working hands-on with dead amphibian and reptile specimens (including snakes!) is a must. Volunteers must also be detail-oriented and highly organized.
If you wish to pursue volunteer opportunities with the department, please contact Dr. Adam Clause via email: aclause@sdnhm.org. In your email, attach your CV or Resume and include one-paragraph answers to each of the following questions:
Be sure to also check out other volunteer opportunities on the Current Needs page. The museum offers a wide range of activities for individuals with a passion for natural history.