Research

Checking chickadee nests with Emily Shertzer, Cornell Class of 2016.
Liam Berigan searching for eider nests.
Sarah MacLean and Justin Stilwell expertly take a blood sample from a gull.
Gates Dupont and Ian Davies banding at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory.
Luke DeFisher measuring a gull chick.
Black-capped Chickadee with passive integrated transponder visiting a radio frequency ID feeder. Photo by Kevin McGowan.
Hunter Reed, Collin Hertz and Emily Shertzer capturing small mammals.

My research program largely focuses on mentoring undergraduate students in independent projects leading to senior theses and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Most topics related to avian ecology are fair game, but I’m best versed in the areas of foraging ecology, supplemental feeding, migration, and citizen science. I’m increasingly interested in research examining seasonal carryover effects.

Prospective undergraduate students: If you are a first- or second-year Cornell undergraduate student interested in pursuing independent research, contact me for an appointment to discuss your interests.

Prospective graduate students: I maintain field membership in the Department of Natural Resources. The Department requires that funding be secured before any student can be accepted and enrolled into the program. I currently do not have a source of funding for new graduate students. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in my lab, there are two options. 1) Secure funding independently (e.g., National Science Foundation fellowship), or 2) we’d need to apply for a grant that would cover the costs of the program and your stipend. If you have ideas for proposals or potential sources of funding, I’m happy to discuss the options along with your research interests. Note that funding is required but not sufficient for gaining entry into the program. In other words, having funding does not guarantee acceptance.

Current DNR graduate students: If you are interested in discussing the possibility of having me serve on your committee, contact me for an appointment to discuss your interests!