Major: Animal Science
Minors: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Geographic Information Science and Technology
Class Year: 2027
High School: School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
Advisors: Dr. Christopher Butler, Dr. Griffin Nicholson and Dr. Gordon Carstens
Research Focus: Spatial Ecology, Species Distribution Modeling, Geographic Information Systems, Ethology
Other Projects and Publications: Calls of introduced frogs attract a threatened native species: phonotactic responses between American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (Rana chiricahuensis) (In Review)
Organizations and Programs: Schubot Center for Avian Health, TAMU Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Texas A&M Handball Club
Awards and Distinctions: 3rd Place Undergraduate Student Presenter (Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society), Dean's Honor Roll, High School Graduation with Magna Cum Laude, AP Scholar with Distinction
Experience: Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer Research, Poster Presentations, Poster Design, Scientific Writing and Publishing, Biosafety, Veterinary Medicine, Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
Years Experience: 3
Other Activities: Drumming, Biking, Photography, Digital Art, Coding, Herping, Birding
Bio: Hello! My name is Truman Gilliam, and I am an Animal Science major with minors in Ecology & Conservation Biology and Geographic Information Science & Technology. After graduating, I plan to pursue either veterinary medicine specializing in small and exotic animals or a Ph.D. program leading to academic research and teaching.
My research passion lies in spatial ecology, where I integrate field research with geospatial technology to understand and conserve wildlife. In the Butler Lab, I work extensively with ecological niche modeling, using ArcGIS/QGIS, R, and Maxent to predict species distributions and habitat suitability, particularly for invasive species. I also help manage autonomous recording units and trail cameras, analyze bird and frog vocalizations, and band birds. To date, I have presented my research findings at several conferences.
In the Fitzgerald Lab, I studied amphibian phonotaxis behavior, analyzing frog movements through video analysis. To improve research efficiency, I even developed a custom ImageJ script that reduced analysis time sixfold, turning 60 hours of video data into usable results much faster than traditional hand-measuring methods.
Beyond the lab, I combine my background in electrical engineering and computer science with research applications. I've designed remote-controlled wildlife traps and handheld GIS devices as well as frequently 3D-printed custom lab equipment. I'm currently developing an R program to help researchers without GIS expertise create ecological niche models.
During breaks, I work as a veterinary assistant in the DFW area, maintaining hands-on experience with animal care and medicine. Once I graduate, I plan on applying to both DVM programs and Ph.D. programs to work towards obtaining a doctoral degree.
Undergraduate research has shaped my academic journey tremendously, and I'm excited to continue exploring where spatial ecology, technology, and animal science intersect. Feel free to reach out anytime via email or website (https://trugill.github.io/), I’m always glad to connect!