Research Interests

Avian biology; Endocrinology and immunology; Evolutionary ecology of parasite-bird interactions, Energetics and life history trade-offs

I have a deep-seated interest in the physiological systems that allow organisms to survive and reproduce in their ever changing environments. I focus on birds as a study organism and am particularly interested in the consequences of disease and associated immune response on reproductive effort, and on the survival of the individual to the next reproductive event. It has been hypothesized that a trade-off exists between reproduction and survival; however, the mechanisms that mediate yearly reproductive effort and subsequent survival have been elusive. It has also been hypothesized that the immune system acts as a physiological link of the trade-off between reproduction and survival. The key point to the hypothesis is that while immune system activation during reproduction will likely increase survival, it uses energetic resources that could be directed toward increasing reproductive output. The assumption is that immune defense is costly and individuals that optimally regulate this defense balance fecundity and survival, and in turn maximize fitness. Thus, the link between immune function, reproductive success and survival is an important area of study if we are to understand variations in fitness.

To help unfurl the answers I have several projects that I am currently working on using the Florida Scrub-jay (Aphlocoma coerulescens) as a model.  The Florida Scrub-Jay, a cooperative breeder, makes a perfect study organism for investigating the cost of reproduction, as the species allows for a comparison of same age individuals that have bred and not bred.

For further information and background on my research interest please see the following grant proposal.

NSF-IBN-0508418.  DISSERATION RESEARCH: Life History Trade-offs: An Investigation of the resource allocation hypothesis in the Florida Scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). link to PDF file

Grants & Awards       

2005        NSF Research Coordination Network: Integrating Ecology and Endocrinology in Avian Reproduction ($1000).     Laboratory exchange visit: molecular techniques for identifying haemosporidian parasites and to conduct natural antibody immune tests on Florida Scrub-Jay plasma. ($1000)

2005        NSF-IBN-0508418.  DISSERATION RESEARCH: Life History Trade-offs: An Investigation of the resource allocation hypothesis in the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) ($11,600)

2005        Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award  - American Ornithologists Union ($400)

2004        Student Travel Award – NSF through the International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology committee to attend meeting 2004 ($500)

2004        Student Government Association Travel Award  - University of Memphis - to present at International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology ($360)

2004        Sigma Xi - Grant in Aid of Research ($670)

2004        Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology - Grant-in-Aid of Research ($930)

2001        Faculty/Student Collaborative Research Travel Grant  - University of Memphis, “Disease, parasites, and immune responses of birds: An overlooked public health issue” – ($4,000) Funded two week visit to Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Aus.

2001        Student Membership Award - Coopers Ornithological Society (2 years)

2001        Student Membership Award - American Ornithologists’ Union (3 years)

2001        Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award  “- American Ornithologists Union ($400)

Professional Orginizations