Jim! obsessive! that is so very very true! I personally am about as obsessive as I can get. I love the details, how to heat the enclosure the most efficient way to maintain a little slice of Africa in my room, that is likely why I don't love my rack it is only the barest minute slice.

OP: Back to your problem, why not interview someone whom keeps snakes in your area a breeder or avid enthusiast? If you can not find someone why don't you ask someone here for a phone interview. You will have interview notes and then write you paper. You can look up some facts and figures on what is relevant to the interview and that gives you written references as well. The important part is it goes that one step farther than you prof is likely to expect. I teach in a university and have always been impressed when one of my students goes that one extra step.
Alex