In recognition of his lifelong dedication to turtle research, ULM awarded Professor Emeritus of Biology Dr. John Carr with the Pritchard Turtle Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award. The Turtle Survival Alliance presented this award to celebrate the legacy of respected zoologist Peter Pritchard.
As a member of the Turtle Specialist Group, Carr earned the award for his long-term research on Latin American wood turtles and alligator snapping turtles. Carr’s dedication to teaching and mentoring also contributed to this recognition.
Carr started his studies at Texas A&M University-College Station, earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology and later his master’s degree. In 1981, Carr met Pritchard and joined him to create a documentary about sea turtles.
“He was very encouraging and respectful about the little turtles we studied,” Carr said. “That is a strong memory I have of him.”
Pritchard inspired Carr during his research on the biology and environmental behaviors of turtles. Pritchard, being the world’s leading expert on the history and biology of turtles and tortoises, motivated Carr in his studies.
Five years after meeting Pritchard, Carr secured a position at a nonprofit organization known as Conservation International. The organization allowed him to connect with people from around the world and engage with the turtles and reptiles they researched.
At Conservation International, Carr collaborated with his former boss, Russell A. Mittermeier, on a field guide that contributed to their shared research on turtles. This collaboration resulted in the field guide known as Turtles and Crocodilians of the Andean Countries of the Tropics.
“My boss was very keen on turtles as well,” Carr said. “The field guide we worked on together is meant to inspire people and get them interested in wildlife because if they can identify it, they can appreciate it more.”
After traveling further east, Carr settled in Louisiana and became an instructor at ULM. Although he is retired from hosting lectures, he remains active as an emeritus professor, serving on committees and exploring local wildlife.
“I found that here was closer to home, which made it more convenient,” Carr said. “There are also plenty of turtles here to study and observe.”
Carr is proud and passionate about his study of turtles, and would like not only to inspire students, but also to emphasize that they, too, can achieve great things in any field of interest.
“At ULM, you can go places, get an education and even make the world a better place,” Carr said. “You have to find the niche that works for you and expand on it.”
