|
BioSketch
I’ve brought my interests in the natural world to the study of biology approaching the discipline as both a naturalist and scientist. My research interests examine how resource and life history trade-offs effect the ecology and evolution of birds. Current work explores two themes: (i) the links between molt biology, feather quality, and the evolution of molt strategies across birds, and (ii) the selective mechanisms shaping nest morphologies within and across species of birds. To tackle these questions I use a combination of natural history collections, experiments, and comparative analyses. In addition to research, I’m also interested in promoting the use and awareness of natural history collections by involving students in museum activities, teaching museum workshops and specimen preparation courses, and building scientifically valuable collections. |
Yellow Warbler nests from northern Manitoba (left) and southern Ontario (right) differ in ways that optimize them to local breeding conditions.
|
Common Waxbill nests have a false cup ontop of their bulky dome and nest walls constructed with carnivore scat, which reduces predation.
|
Gray Catbirds have spectacular blue eggs and often line their nests with dark rootlets making their eggs appear even bluer.
|
Grove-billed Anis line their nests with green plant material, which may reduce nest ectoparasites, optimize humidity, or provide a social signal.
|
Cape Penduline Tits build deceptive nests with false entrances and can open and close the actual entrance.
|
This Karoo Prinia nest has been cut in half. The white material is fluff that surrounds Wild Rosemary seeds, which prinias manage to gather while avoiding the plant seeds.
|
|
Cornell UNIVersity |