Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

My research currently focuses on population dynamics with particular regard to anthropogenic stressors, such as contaminant effects. How do patterns of contaminant exposure interact with natural processes such as food shortage, territoriality, and dispersal? These questions will be vital in developing a more comprehensive and effective protocol for ecological risk assessment. I am also studying the population dynamics of gray-tailed voles in the Willamette Valley agricultural ecosystem with particular reference to methods of biological control and cultural practices to reduce the impact of voles on crops. In addition, I am interested in the ecological role voles play within the grassland system. Much of my recent work has centered on the biology of the burrowing owl in California. Past research has included the coevolutionary dynamics of seed dispersal systems, and an investigation of the banana slug as a potential seed dispersal agent.

Ecotoxicology including impacts of contaminants on wildlife population dynamics and community ecology; conservation biology