How long have you worked at Stone Lab?

7 years

Where are you from?

I’m originally from New Jersey, but have been in Ohio for 8 years, the previous 5 years in central PA.

Where did you do your studies?

Pennsylvania State University (PhD in Ecology) and University of Arkansas (M.S. in Zoology)

What’s your research about?

My research interests encompass the ecology, behavior, and biogeography of birds, with an ultimate goal of providing information needed to more effectively conserve bird populations. Over the last 10 years, my research has primarily emphasized questions concerning the ecology of landbirds during migratory stopover periods. I am particularly interested in the habitat selection and energetic status of migrating songbirds and their relationship to landscape and local habitat attributes of stopover sites. Increasingly, my studies and those of my graduate students use stable isotope analysis, plasma lipid metabolite analysis, and radio telemetry to examine specific questions about habitat selection, movement behavior, energetics, and seasonal interactions (i.e., how events that occur during one season can affect energetic condition or reproduction in a subsequent period). Research in the forests of both Neotropical and Afrotropical regions has created my long-standing interest in the ecology and conservation of tropical birds and migratory birds that spend non-breeding periods in these regions. I am also keenly interested in the historical and present-day biogeography and conservation status of Ohio’s avifauna.

What’s your favorite thing about Stone Lab?

Having a greater opportunity to have classes outdoors, teaching students who are eager to be outdoors.

What are your hobbies?

Bird watching, hiking, camping

Course Taught at Stone Laboratory

ENR 230: Ecology and Conservation of Birds