Overview
Our research focuses on the evolution of behavior across weird and wonderfully diverse species of birds. This work bridges “muddy boots” experimental fieldwork with a variety of molecular and computational approaches in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, and endocrinology. We have several research foci:
1. Female perspectives in biology. Cultural biases shape our predictions for how and why animals behave the way they do, and female animals have historically been neglected in biological research. We study the evolution of female competition across diverse avian species, ranging from social polyandry to monogamy in shorebirds and songbirds. Critically, hypotheses derived from studying males (i.e. testosterone focus) do not explain interspecific variation in female aggression. We use population genomic and transcriptomic data to evaluate the proximate causes and ultimate consequences of female competition.
2. Global change biology. In the age of the Anthropocene, animals are facing evolutionary unprecedented environmental changes. Sensory pollutants like anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night can alter animal physiology, behavior, and ecology on a rapid timescale. Behavior flexibility and adaptation may lead the way in helping animals respond to novel challenges. We investigate why some individuals and species may be better prepared to face global change.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Sexually selected traits predict female-biased philopatry in a sex-role reversed shorebird
Preprint · January 17, 2025 Full text Cite2024 AOS Early Professional Awards to Sheela P. Turbek, Jessie L. Williamson, and Gavin M. Jones
Journal Article Ornithological Applications · December 17, 2024 Full text Open Access CiteEurasian tree sparrows are more food neophobic and habituate to novel objects more slowly than house sparrows
Journal Article Biological Invasions · November 1, 2024 Most research on the variables that allow for introduced species to succeed and become invasive has focused on environmental and ecological factors. Fewer studies have assessed the roles of behavioral and cognitive traits. To help fill this knowledge gap, ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
IntBIO: Collaborative Research: Phenotypes of the Anthropocene: integrating the consequences of sensory stressors across biological scales
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2028View All Grants