Professor
Co-Chair, ABEC Department
PhD, Integrative Biology, Lehigh University
MS, Biology, St Joseph's University
BS, Biology with Psychology Minor, Canisius University
Dr. Snekser’s courses focus on understanding the process of science that leads to our understanding of biology and relies heavily on evaluating primary literature. She particularly loves teaching introductory courses and any course focused on biological diversity. Dr. Snekser’s research interests lie in understanding different aspects of social behavior as related to ecology and evolution, focusing on both ultimate and proximate reasons for behavioral expression. She utilizes the diversity in fishes to explore a variety of behaviors, including parental care, territoriality, sexual behavior, and shoalmate choice. Fish live all over the world and Dr. Snekser loves traveling with her students to explore reefs, streams, and desert springs. She can also spend hours watching the fish that live within her laboratory. Dr. Snekser, her collaborators, and students regularly present their work at scientific meetings and publish in behavior and conservation journals.
Awards
- David Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Long Island University
- AAUW (American Association of University Women) American Research Publication Grant
- National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship
Publications
Snekser JL, van Breukelen NA, Itzkowitz D, & Itzkowitz M. 2025. Nocturnal and diurnal territorial activity in the Leon Springs Pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus. Behaviour, 162: 903-922
Snekser JL, Gumm JM, van Breukelen NA, Draud M, & Itzkowitz M. 2024. Complex species’ interactions: Is egg predation a hidden threat to the reproductive success of an endangered fish species? Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(4), 592-599.
Snekser JL, Leiser J, Itzkowitz M. 2024. Patrolling the area, not ousting intruders, relates to reproductive success for territorial male Leon Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus. Behavioural Processes. 220:105078.
Snekser JL & Diestler E. 2023. Sex differences in the expression of aggressive behavior and influences on social choice in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behavioral Processes. 208:104871.
Snekser JL, Al-Shaer L, Bloch A, Itzkowitz M. 2023. Do monogamous male and female Texas cichlid parents defend their offspring similarly? Western North American Naturalist. 83: 1, 1-7.