Dr. Raxworthy, who joined the Museum in 2000, has been studying reptiles and amphibians in Madagascar since 1985. Since 1985 Dr. Raxworthy has found (and is continuing to describe) many more new species and has added a wealth of information to the knowledge on known species. Currently, his research is focused on gecko and chameleon molecular and morphological systematics, and the use of remotely sensed data (from satellites) to help predict the distributions and model the ecological niches of species. This project includes field surveys mountainous areas of northern Madagascar, of which many have never been previously explored or surveyed. Dr. Raxworthy also has conducted fieldwork in Vietnam, Ghana, and Mali. His broader research interests include the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for identifying conservation priorities, and exploring patterns of speciation and endemism in Madagascar.