Interested in Research?
If you find biology fascinating and would like to gain some research experience, or if you are interested in pursuing a masters degree in biology, then feel free to contact me. I love advising students and involving students in all aspects of my research program. My biggest goals as a mentor are to foster creative analytical thought, to allow students to engage directly with the scientific process and to encourage a passion for natural history and field biology. My only requirements are enthusiasm, commitment, and contributing to a collegial learning environment, but I also encourage lab members to publish their research and engage with the community in outreach opportunities.
students of the EMU bird lab...
Current Students
Travis Draud - M.S. Thesis: Contributions of season and reproductive effort to heart rate in free-living red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra
Dawson Bradley - M.A. Non-thesis research: Seasonal patterns in hematocrit of American goldfinches (Spinus tristus)
Dorothy Zahor - B.S. Non-thesis research: Heavy metal exposure, feather coloration and stress in urban birds of Michigan
Samantha Glowicki - B.S. Honors proposal in preparation
Selena Chiparus - B.S. Metals project team member
Kenny Glynn - B.S. Metals project team member
2018
Micah Bohanon - B.S. Honors Thesis: Role of corticosterone and foraging effort in red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) migratory behavior.
Megan Wurtz - B.S. Honors Thesis: The effects of unpredictable food on corticosterone and social learning in red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra).
Bailey Marston - B.S. Honors Thesis: Spring activity of the type 10 crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), a nomadic and irruptive migrant.
Jorrie Davis - B.S. Non-thesis research: Stereotypies in captive red crossbills held in activity registration cages
2017
Rebecca Cameron - B.S. Non-thesis research: Effects of hydration, food and activity on hematocrit in captive red crossbills.
Kate Marsh - B.S. Honors Thesis: Behavioral and vocal responses of the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis)to predatory bird calls
Jackie Drake - B.S. Non-thesis research: Hematocrit in American goldfinches
Brendan O'Shea - B.S. Non-thesis research: Seasonal patterns in white-blood cell prevelance in red crossbills.
2016
Corrie Navis - M.S. Thesis: The impact of urban centers on American goldfinches (Spinus tristus) overwintering at high latitudes.
Brittany Cory - M.S. Non-thesis research: Laterality in red crossbill foraging behavior
Katherine Campbell - B.S. Honors thesis: Investigating the influence of stress hormones on the partial migratory tendencies of the American goldfinch (Spinus tristus)
Nicole Bush - B.S. Non-thesis research: Seasonal changes in red blood cell morphology in red crossbills