Paige Byerly, Doctoral Student, 2015-Present
Coastal environments are changing rapidly due to both direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts. My research interests include investigating how these changes affect wetland and coastal birds, with the goal of informing conservation and management efforts. My current research involves use of remote data collection methods to monitor avian response to barrier island marsh restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. My dissertation research will focus on Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) ecology in the Caribbean. Roseate Terns are a globally-distributed species, but are declining across their range, and are endangered in the U.S. I plan to use genetic analysis to assess historical and current connectivity between Roseate populations in the Northeastern U.S. and the Virgin Islands. I will also be looking at factors influencing colony site selection and reproductive success in the Virgin Islands. You can contact me at [email protected].
Coastal environments are changing rapidly due to both direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts. My research interests include investigating how these changes affect wetland and coastal birds, with the goal of informing conservation and management efforts. My current research involves use of remote data collection methods to monitor avian response to barrier island marsh restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. My dissertation research will focus on Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) ecology in the Caribbean. Roseate Terns are a globally-distributed species, but are declining across their range, and are endangered in the U.S. I plan to use genetic analysis to assess historical and current connectivity between Roseate populations in the Northeastern U.S. and the Virgin Islands. I will also be looking at factors influencing colony site selection and reproductive success in the Virgin Islands. You can contact me at [email protected].
Samantha Hauser, Doctoral Student, 2013-Present
I am interested in utilizing landscape ecology and molecular techniques for conservation. My current doctoral work focuses on the endangered songbird species, the Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla). The magnitude of the threats impacting this species are atypical of a bird with its life history traits and as such make it an interesting study species. I will be using both population genetics and landscape ecology approaches to better elucidate the dynamics of this species in central Texas. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
I am interested in utilizing landscape ecology and molecular techniques for conservation. My current doctoral work focuses on the endangered songbird species, the Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla). The magnitude of the threats impacting this species are atypical of a bird with its life history traits and as such make it an interesting study species. I will be using both population genetics and landscape ecology approaches to better elucidate the dynamics of this species in central Texas. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Katrina Hucks, Masters Student, 2014-Present
I am interested in spatial distributions of North American birds. My undergraduate research focused on modeling the potential distribution of Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) under multiple climate change scenarios. For my master’s project, I will use maximum entropy modeling to predict the distributions of Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) along Louisiana’s coasts based on various environmental variables. My research serves to provide an alternative to the current habitat suitability index models used in the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan to predict wildlife response to coastal management and restoration. You may contact me at [email protected].
I am interested in spatial distributions of North American birds. My undergraduate research focused on modeling the potential distribution of Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) under multiple climate change scenarios. For my master’s project, I will use maximum entropy modeling to predict the distributions of Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) along Louisiana’s coasts based on various environmental variables. My research serves to provide an alternative to the current habitat suitability index models used in the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan to predict wildlife response to coastal management and restoration. You may contact me at [email protected].
Mirka Zapetal, Doctoral Student, 2013-Present
My research interests focus around insectivore and mesocarnivore conservation, including ecosystem roles, such as seed dispersal, and human-carnivore conflict. For my MS research, I investigated habitat selection by Daurian hedgehogs (Mesechinus dauuricus) in the arid Gobi Steppe of Mongolia. My doctoral project is focused on mammalian carnivore ecology within Louisiana’s coastal zone. I am investigating carnivore species distribution, diet, and how both may be impacted by climate change. I also work with high school students to provide field experience and a direct connection to conservation issues. I can be reached at m[email protected] or visit my web site.
My research interests focus around insectivore and mesocarnivore conservation, including ecosystem roles, such as seed dispersal, and human-carnivore conflict. For my MS research, I investigated habitat selection by Daurian hedgehogs (Mesechinus dauuricus) in the arid Gobi Steppe of Mongolia. My doctoral project is focused on mammalian carnivore ecology within Louisiana’s coastal zone. I am investigating carnivore species distribution, diet, and how both may be impacted by climate change. I also work with high school students to provide field experience and a direct connection to conservation issues. I can be reached at m[email protected] or visit my web site.
Web sites of some lab graduates. For a complete list of current and former graduate students, see Paul Leberg's CV.
Giri Athrey, Assistant Professor, Texas AM Kelly Barr, Doctoral Student, UCLA Clay Green, Associate Professor, Texas State Alan Hitch, Assistant Curator, UC Davis Landon Jones, Postdoctoral Researcher, Purdue University Richard Lance, Research Biologist, ERDC, US Army Eric Liebgold, Assistant Professor, Salisbury University Shannon Martin, Scientist, NOAA's Gulf of Mexico Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Program Kevin Purcell, Chief Data Scientist at Wildfig.com and adjunct professor at Harrisburg State Dave Rogowski, Biologist, Arizona Fish and Game Dept. Christine Spencer, Academic Professional, Georgia Tech Jessica Schulz Peacock, Ecologist, USGS Scott Walter, Instructor, Texas State and Institute for Tropical Biology |