WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University senior Brandon Mawhinney earned international recognition after winning the Best Poster Award at the 24th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Mawhinney, an Applied Conservation senior and member of West Liberty University’s Applied Herpetoculture and Herpetology Laboratory, received the award for his research, “Long-term Patterns on Growth and Demography of an Iowan Terrapene ornata ornata Population in a Naturalistic Environment.”
The symposium, hosted by Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, alongside host partner Guadalajara Zoo, brought together researchers, conservationists, students, and wildlife professionals from around the world. The 2026 event marked the first time the annual symposium was held outside the United States and featured more than 120 presentations representing 22 countries.
“I am incredibly proud of Brandon; he works tirelessly learning about conservation and specifically turtle biology,” said Dr. Zachary Loughman, Chair of the Department of Organismal Biology, Ecology & Zoo Science. “I am certain he will make an impact in turtle conservation one day.”
Turtle Survival Alliance recognized Mawhinney as the winner of its 2026 Best Poster student award. The symposium’s student awards recognize excellence in scholarship and presentation among participating students.
Mawhinney’s recognition highlights the hands-on research opportunities available to West Liberty University students and the University’s commitment to preparing students for careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and related fields.
“It was an incredible experience to present my research alongside students and conservation professionals from around the world,” said Mawhinney. “Winning the Best Poster Award was an honor, but I’m especially grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at West Liberty to gain hands-on experience and pursue my passion for turtle conservation. I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to the field.”
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
