Former Graduate Students
Aaron Veale
(M.Sc.), U. Lethbridge (co-advised with Dr. Theresa Burg).
Bluebird population genetics: 2021 – 2023
*Awarded U. Lethbridge Graduate Research Award ($9,000)
*Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship ($11,000)
Nic Shephard
(M.Sc.), USask.
Black Tern migratory connectivity: 2019 – 2022
Erik Prytula
(M.Sc.), TRU (with Dr. Ann McKellar).
Sanderling migration and connectivity: 2017 – 2022
*Awarded Suncor Energy Foundation Indigenous Scholarship, New Relationship Trust Scholarship, Trans Mountain Scholarship, Irving K Barber BC Indigenous Student Award, Ken Lepin Award, Dillion Consulting Scholarship
(M.Sc.), U. Lethbridge (co-advised with Dr. Theresa Burg).
Bluebird population genetics: 2021 – 2023
*Awarded U. Lethbridge Graduate Research Award ($9,000)
*Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship ($11,000)
Nic Shephard
(M.Sc.), USask.
Black Tern migratory connectivity: 2019 – 2022
Erik Prytula
(M.Sc.), TRU (with Dr. Ann McKellar).
Sanderling migration and connectivity: 2017 – 2022
*Awarded Suncor Energy Foundation Indigenous Scholarship, New Relationship Trust Scholarship, Trans Mountain Scholarship, Irving K Barber BC Indigenous Student Award, Ken Lepin Award, Dillion Consulting Scholarship
Cara Snell
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Mountain chickadee urbanization and movement: 2018 – 2021
* Awarded NSERC CGSM, UNBC research award (x2), UNBC entrance scholarship, UNBC, tuition scholarship, AOS travel grant (X2), UNBC travel grant (x2)
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Mountain chickadee urbanization and movement: 2018 – 2021
* Awarded NSERC CGSM, UNBC research award (x2), UNBC entrance scholarship, UNBC, tuition scholarship, AOS travel grant (X2), UNBC travel grant (x2)
Adrienne Clay
(M.Sc.), TRU (co-advised with Dr. Tom Dickinson).
Burrowing owl conservation: 2016 – 2021 (incomplete)
(M.Sc.), TRU (co-advised with Dr. Tom Dickinson).
Burrowing owl conservation: 2016 – 2021 (incomplete)
Claudie Pageau
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Moult evolution in songbirds: 2018 – 2020; defended Aug 17, 2020
*Published manuscripts in Ecology & Evolution and Biology Letters, with another manuscript in prep for submission—all prior to defending); Awarded Environmental Science Fellowship, FRQNT (Quebec) MSc Research Scholarship, Dr. Sherman Jen Graduate Entrance Award, NSERC PGS (declined); Winner of a Best Student Presentation Award at SCO-SOC 2019 and at the NAOC 2020
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Moult evolution in songbirds: 2018 – 2020; defended Aug 17, 2020
*Published manuscripts in Ecology & Evolution and Biology Letters, with another manuscript in prep for submission—all prior to defending); Awarded Environmental Science Fellowship, FRQNT (Quebec) MSc Research Scholarship, Dr. Sherman Jen Graduate Entrance Award, NSERC PGS (declined); Winner of a Best Student Presentation Award at SCO-SOC 2019 and at the NAOC 2020
Erica Bonderud
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Extra-pair paternity in mountain chickadees: Sept. 2015 – Nov. 2017
*Manuscripts published in Behaviour and Ethology (also see undergraduate research for additional publication)
*Awarded NSERC CGSM, UNBC research award (x2), UNBC entrance scholarship, UNBC, tuition scholarship, AOS travel grant (X2), UNBC travel grant (x2)
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Extra-pair paternity in mountain chickadees: Sept. 2015 – Nov. 2017
*Manuscripts published in Behaviour and Ethology (also see undergraduate research for additional publication)
*Awarded NSERC CGSM, UNBC research award (x2), UNBC entrance scholarship, UNBC, tuition scholarship, AOS travel grant (X2), UNBC travel grant (x2)
Jacob Bailey
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Tracking chickadee movement and gap crossing with RFID: 2015-2017
*Manuscripts published in Auk and Canadian Journal of Zoology; AOS Travel Award (x2), AOS Research Award, UNBC Travel Award
(M.Sc.), UNBC (co-advised with Dr. Ken Otter).
Tracking chickadee movement and gap crossing with RFID: 2015-2017
*Manuscripts published in Auk and Canadian Journal of Zoology; AOS Travel Award (x2), AOS Research Award, UNBC Travel Award
Kristen Marini
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Effects of urbanization on mountain chickadees: Jan. 2013 – 2016
*Awarded NSERC IPS; Student Research Mentor Award; Winner of TRU 3 Minute Thesis Competition
*Published manuscripts in Urban Ecosystems and Behaviour
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Effects of urbanization on mountain chickadees: Jan. 2013 – 2016
*Awarded NSERC IPS; Student Research Mentor Award; Winner of TRU 3 Minute Thesis Competition
*Published manuscripts in Urban Ecosystems and Behaviour
Sarah [McArthur] Leroux
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Environmental effects on nestling survival in mountain bluebirds: May 2013 – 2016
*Awarded NSERC USRA, Research grant through North American Bluebird Society, Student Presentation Award (Wilson Ornithological Society), Studetn Travel Award (Society of Canadian Ornithologists), Environmental Science Fellowship Award (TRU)
*Published manuscripts in Canadian Journal of Zoology and Wilson Journal of Ornithology
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Environmental effects on nestling survival in mountain bluebirds: May 2013 – 2016
*Awarded NSERC USRA, Research grant through North American Bluebird Society, Student Presentation Award (Wilson Ornithological Society), Studetn Travel Award (Society of Canadian Ornithologists), Environmental Science Fellowship Award (TRU)
*Published manuscripts in Canadian Journal of Zoology and Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Andrew Pillar
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Moult-migration in Bullock’s orioles: 2012 – 2014
*Awarded NSERC PGS *Published manuscripts in Population Ecology and Journal of Ornithology
(M.Sc.), TRU.
Moult-migration in Bullock’s orioles: 2012 – 2014
*Awarded NSERC PGS *Published manuscripts in Population Ecology and Journal of Ornithology
Former Undergraduate Students
Sydney Miller
(Honours),TRU,
Flycatcher evolution: 2021 – 2022
(Honours),TRU,
Flycatcher evolution: 2021 – 2022
Jacqueline Schoen
(Honours), TRU,
Flycatcher evolution: 2021 – 2022
(Honours), TRU,
Flycatcher evolution: 2021 – 2022
Mathieu Lizee
(Honours), TRU,
Evolution of bat migration: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded NSERC USRA
(Honours), TRU,
Evolution of bat migration: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded NSERC USRA
Ashley Toor
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Chickadee urbanization and contaminates: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Chickadee urbanization and contaminates: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
Emma Thibault
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Plumage evolution and paternity: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Plumage evolution and paternity: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
Jeeva Gill
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Bluebird feather contaminates: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded NSERC USRA
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Bluebird feather contaminates: 2021 – 2022
*Awarded NSERC USRA
Lindsay Veale
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Online educational resources with Tsay Keh Dene: 2021 – 2022
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Online educational resources with Tsay Keh Dene: 2021 – 2022
Madison Oud
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Evolution of colour in island birds: 2017 – 2021
*Awarded NSERC USRA (x3)
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Evolution of colour in island birds: 2017 – 2021
*Awarded NSERC USRA (x3)
Jared Sonnleitner
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of moult migration: 2019 – 2021
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of moult migration: 2019 – 2021
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
Aaron Veale
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of body size on islands: 2019 – 2021
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of body size on islands: 2019 – 2021
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP
Charlotte Hutchinson
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of bird body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of bird body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
Morgan Rigelof
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of bat body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of bat body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
Raven Moller
(Honours), TRU,
Tree Swallow reproductive interference: 2020 – 2021
(Honours), TRU,
Tree Swallow reproductive interference: 2020 – 2021
Xinran (Faustina) Cai
(Volunteer), TRU,
Evolution of bird body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
(Volunteer), TRU,
Evolution of bird body size on islands: 2020 – 2021
Jack Dunne-Mucklow
(Honours), U. Waterloo,
Biological predictors of bat declines: 2020 –2021
(Honours), U. Waterloo,
Biological predictors of bat declines: 2020 –2021
Genevieve Ward
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Longitudinal colour change in bluebirds, 2019 – 2020
*Awarded NSERC USRA
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Longitudinal colour change in bluebirds, 2019 – 2020
*Awarded NSERC USRA
Colton Stephens
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Pathogens in chickadees, 2017 – 2019
*Awarded NSERC USRA; current M.Sc. student at Carleton University
*Manuscript in review at Canadian Journal of Microbiology
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Pathogens in chickadees, 2017 – 2019
*Awarded NSERC USRA; current M.Sc. student at Carleton University
*Manuscript in review at Canadian Journal of Microbiology
Natasha Buckler
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Colour evolution on islands: 2018 – 2019
*Manuscript published at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Colour evolution on islands: 2018 – 2019
*Manuscript published at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Micheal Rouault
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Tetrahedral colour space models: 2019
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Tetrahedral colour space models: 2019
Victoria Adams-Parsons
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Predicting passerine declines: 2019
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Predicting passerine declines: 2019
Sabina Pierera
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Vaux’s swift eBird analysis: 2017 – 2018
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Vaux’s swift eBird analysis: 2017 – 2018
Adrianne Hadjasz
(B.Sc. Honours, Directed Studies, Research Assistant), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2017 – 2018
*Awarded NSERC USRA and CUEF UREAP; currently M.Sc. student at Carleton University
*Manuscripts from undergraduate work published in Urban Ecosystems and Journal of Avian Biology
(B.Sc. Honours, Directed Studies, Research Assistant), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2017 – 2018
*Awarded NSERC USRA and CUEF UREAP; currently M.Sc. student at Carleton University
*Manuscripts from undergraduate work published in Urban Ecosystems and Journal of Avian Biology
Nathan Mount
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Signal Evolution on Island Populations: 2017-2018
*Manuscript in review at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Signal Evolution on Island Populations: 2017-2018
*Manuscript in review at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Marissa Fisher
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Signal Evolution on Island Populations: 2017-2018
*Manuscript in review at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Signal Evolution on Island Populations: 2017-2018
*Manuscript in review at Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Chelsea Reith
(Summer Research Student), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2017
*Awarded NSERC USRA
(Summer Research Student), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2017
*Awarded NSERC USRA
Ellis Smith
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Vaux’s swift migratory connectivity: 2016 – 2018
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Manuscript published in Condor
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Vaux’s swift migratory connectivity: 2016 – 2018
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Manuscript published in Condor
Paige Gallant
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Bird feeder microbial communities: 2016 – 2017
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Bird feeder microbial communities: 2016 – 2017
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
Aneka Battel
(Directed Studies, B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2016 – 2019
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
(Directed Studies, B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Urbanization in chickadees: 2016 – 2019
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
Cara Snell
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Character displacement in chickadees: 2015 – 2016
*Currently M.Sc. student at University of Northern British Columbia
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500); manuscript published in European Journal of Ecology
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Character displacement in chickadees: 2015 – 2016
*Currently M.Sc. student at University of Northern British Columbia
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500); manuscript published in European Journal of Ecology
Jackson Kusack
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of moult migration: 2015 – 2016
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), *Student presentation award at 2015 AFO/SCO/WOS conference
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
(Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Evolution of moult migration: 2015 – 2016
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), *Student presentation award at 2015 AFO/SCO/WOS conference
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
Katie Sparrow
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Feather carotenoid chemistry: May 2014 - 2016
* Awarded NSERC 3 USRAs ($4500 each), Co-supervised with Dr. Kingsley Donkor (Chemistry)
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
(Directed Studies, Honours), TRU,
Feather carotenoid chemistry: May 2014 - 2016
* Awarded NSERC 3 USRAs ($4500 each), Co-supervised with Dr. Kingsley Donkor (Chemistry)
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
Erin Slade
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Burrowing owl behaviour and personality: 2015 – 2016
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Burrowing owl behaviour and personality: 2015 – 2016
Austin Woolverton
(Research Assistant), TRU (co- with Physics),
RFID development: Summer 2015
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
(Research Assistant), TRU (co- with Physics),
RFID development: Summer 2015
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
Dana Eye
(Directed Studies, Research Assistant), TRU,
Chickadee ecology: 2015 – 2016
(Directed Studies, Research Assistant), TRU,
Chickadee ecology: 2015 – 2016
Isabel Sarmiento
(Directed Studies), TRU (Spanish exchange student),
Dominance in mountain chickadees: 2014 – 2015
(Directed Studies), TRU (Spanish exchange student),
Dominance in mountain chickadees: 2014 – 2015
Jacob Bailey
(B.Sc. Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Mountain Bluebird nest site selection: 2013- 2015
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), NSERC USRA ($4500)
*Also conducted M.Sc. with me at UNBC; published two manuscripts from M.Sc.
(B.Sc. Honours, Directed Studies), TRU,
Mountain Bluebird nest site selection: 2013- 2015
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), NSERC USRA ($4500)
*Also conducted M.Sc. with me at UNBC; published two manuscripts from M.Sc.
Erica Bonderud
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Mountain Bluebird sex ratio: 2014-2015
*Awarded NSERC USRA
*Manuscript published in Behaviour
*Also conducted M.Sc. with me at UNBC and published two additional papers
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Mountain Bluebird sex ratio: 2014-2015
*Awarded NSERC USRA
*Manuscript published in Behaviour
*Also conducted M.Sc. with me at UNBC and published two additional papers
Dean Evans
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Ethovision analysis of nest watch videos: 2014-2015
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), presented at 2015 AFO/SCO/WOS Conference
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Ethovision analysis of nest watch videos: 2014-2015
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), presented at 2015 AFO/SCO/WOS Conference
*Manuscript published in Ecology & Evolution
Jerin Roberts
(B.Sc. student; Research Assistant), TRU,
RFID readers for bluebird monitoring: 2013 – 2015
(B.Sc. student; Research Assistant), TRU,
RFID readers for bluebird monitoring: 2013 – 2015
Paige Wildeman
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Feather carotenoid chemistry: 2014 – 2015
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Feather carotenoid chemistry: 2014 – 2015
Orri Greaves
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Bullock’s oriole social information use, chickadee urbanization, bluebird survival: May 2013 - 2014
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500) and NSERC USRA ($4500)
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Bullock’s oriole social information use, chickadee urbanization, bluebird survival: May 2013 - 2014
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500) and NSERC USRA ($4500)
Jessica Eustache
(B.Sc. Student), TRU,
Chickadee urban impacts: May 2014
*Awarded NSERC USRA ($4500)
(B.Sc. Student), TRU,
Chickadee urban impacts: May 2014
*Awarded NSERC USRA ($4500)
Lauren Steele
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Vaux’s swift isotopic variation: 2013 – 2014
*Manuscript published in Condor
(Directed Studies), TRU,
Vaux’s swift isotopic variation: 2013 – 2014
*Manuscript published in Condor
Juliane Gaviraghi Mussoi
(field technician), TRU (on exchange from Brazil, Science Without Borders).
Mountain bluebird plumage evolution: Summer 2013
(field technician), TRU (on exchange from Brazil, Science Without Borders).
Mountain bluebird plumage evolution: Summer 2013
Tiago Rodrigues
(laboratory technician), TRU (on exchange from Brazil, Science Without Borders).
Mountain bluebird DNA extraction, genotyping: Summer 2013
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
(laboratory technician), TRU (on exchange from Brazil, Science Without Borders).
Mountain bluebird DNA extraction, genotyping: Summer 2013
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
Kristen Marini
(B.Sc. Honours, directed studies), TRU,
Colour and ptilochronology: 2011-2013
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Two manuscripts published from undergraduate research (J. Ornithology and Oecologia)
*Completed M.Sc. under my supervision and published two additional papers
(B.Sc. Honours, directed studies), TRU,
Colour and ptilochronology: 2011-2013
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Two manuscripts published from undergraduate research (J. Ornithology and Oecologia)
*Completed M.Sc. under my supervision and published two additional papers
Kurtis Munro
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU.
Human mate choice: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Manuscript published in Behaviour
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU.
Human mate choice: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Manuscript published in Behaviour
Ashley Morrison
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU.
Parental care in mountain bluebirds: 2011-2013
*Awarded British Ecological Society Research Award ($2,200), CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), Sigma Xi ($1000), runner up for SCO Taverner Award, North American Bluebird Society ($500)
*Published manuscript in Journal of Field Ornithology
*Completed terminal degree in pharmacology
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU.
Parental care in mountain bluebirds: 2011-2013
*Awarded British Ecological Society Research Award ($2,200), CUEF U-REAP ($5,500), Sigma Xi ($1000), runner up for SCO Taverner Award, North American Bluebird Society ($500)
*Published manuscript in Journal of Field Ornithology
*Completed terminal degree in pharmacology
James Pomfret
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Historic diet in Vaux’s Swifts: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Published research in Northwest Science
*Completed dental school in Australia
(B.Sc. Honours), TRU,
Historic diet in Vaux’s Swifts: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
*Published research in Northwest Science
*Completed dental school in Australia
Jennine Crawford
(B.Sc.), TRU.
Status signaling in Bullock’s Orioles: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
(B.Sc.), TRU.
Status signaling in Bullock’s Orioles: 2011-2012
*Awarded CUEF U-REAP ($5,500)
Jess Risley
(technician), TRU,
Carotenoid extraction from feathers: 2011-2012
(technician), TRU,
Carotenoid extraction from feathers: 2011-2012
Rebekah Oomen
(B.Sc. Honours), Trent University.
mtDNA diversity in American white pelicans: 2009
*Manuscripts published in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society and Journal of Heredity
(B.Sc. Honours), Trent University.
mtDNA diversity in American white pelicans: 2009
*Manuscripts published in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society and Journal of Heredity
Matthew Osmond
(B.Sc. Honours), Queen’s University.
Female plumage in American redstarts: 2008
*Manuscript published in Canadian Journal of Zoology
(B.Sc. Honours), Queen’s University.
Female plumage in American redstarts: 2008
*Manuscript published in Canadian Journal of Zoology
Ryan Germain
(B.Sc. Honours), Queen’s University.
Parental care in American redstarts: 2007
*Manuscript published in Wilson Journal of Ornithology
(B.Sc. Honours), Queen’s University.
Parental care in American redstarts: 2007
*Manuscript published in Wilson Journal of Ornithology
