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Natalie Hyslop, associate professor of biology at the University of North Georgia (¹û¶³´«Ã½), is considered a top researcher in the field of reptiles and amphibians. For this, the Suwanee, Georgia woman who has been at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ since 2010 was featured in the recently published book "American Snakes."

"I was very honored and surprised," Hyslop said. "It's an amazing group that the author selected and I am honored to be in that group."

"American Snakes" was written by Sean P. Graham, a herpetologist and assistant professor of biology at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. The book features 60-plus species of snakes along with color images and unusual tales. For example, Graham talks about the first time he encountered an indigo snake. It was with Hyslop, who said Graham is a storyteller.

"He's such a good writer," Hyslop said.

The book dispels myths about snakes and informs the reader about their usefulness to the ecosystem.

"What's wonderful about snakes is that they really help with controlling diseases," Hyslop said. "They eat rodents and small mammals that carry diseases such as ."

To read about Hyslop in "American Snakes," visit the .