Graduate Students
Prospective Graduate Students
If you are a prospective graduate student and wish to inquire about graduate education working with me at HSU, here are a few things to consider before you contact me. First, have a good idea of what intrigues you in the field of ecology, and how these interests mesh with my research program. Although I have conducted much of my research with shorebirds, I am open to (and have advised) students working on other taxa (e.g., Common Raven, White-faced Ibis, waterfowl). My students have worked on topics ranging from habitat use, space use, population models, and survival analyses. Second, when you enquire about graduate research include a polished proposal of what you would like to study. Third, make sure you have addressed any academic and professional deficiencies. For example, take the GRE (and score well!), and make sure you have no academic deficiencies in the sciences (i.e., chemistry, genetics, calculus, etc.). Also, it is extremely helpful to have field experience before starting graduate school. Most students I have accepted have several years of experience prior to enrolling at HSU. Finally, be committed to continuing your education, and in doing so with diligence and devotion.
I expect students to become experts in the area of ecology related to their thesis topic such that I learn a little from them. Lastly, I have a strong reputation for supporting my graduate students, whether directly in fieldwork or by promptly turning around proposals/theses.
Previous Graduate Students
I have supervised 31 graduate students who have worked directly with me on topics related to the ecology of waterbirds, especially shorebirds. There are also several students currently enrolled and working on their theses. Additionally, I have served on graduate committees for many other students pursuing a master's degree in Wildlife, Biology and Math Modeling. Below is a chronological list of graduate students who completed work with me.
2011
- Adams, Tia. Roost site selection of dunlin (Calidris alpina) on Humboldt Bay, Humboldt County, California.
- Pearson, Wendy. Effects of nest success and mate fidelity on breeding dispersal in a population of Snowy Plovers.
2010
- Burrell, Noah. Breeding patch dynamics of Snowy Plovers in Humboldt County, California.
- Hardy, Michael. Western Snowy Plover nest survival on ocean-fronting beaches in coastal northern California.
2009
- Brindock, Kevin. Habitat Selection by Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) during the nonbreeding season
2007
- Bluso, Jill. Sex-specific space use of Forster’s Terns (Sterna forsteri) breeding in the South San Francisco Bay, California.
- Demers, Scott. Space use of American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) in South San Francisco Bay, California.
- Nelson, Zach. Social attraction in the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus).
- Wilson, Carol. Age-related movements and distribution of Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus)broods.
2006
- Mullin, Stephen. Apparent survival and population growth of Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) in Humboldt County, California.
- Fox-Fernandez, Nancy. Roost use by wintering Dunlin at Humboldt Bay, California: Relationship to predation danger and human activity.
2005
- Conklin, Jesse. Roose site-fidelity of Dunlin (Calidris alpina pacifica) wintering on Humboldt Bay, California.
- Millett, Cheryl. The influence of sex and reproductive experience on philopatry and adult site fidelity of Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) in Humboldt County, California.
- Meyer, Jason. Egg Crypsis and Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) clutch survival along the Eel River in Humboldt County, California.
- Hurley, Susan. Survival and behavioral development of Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) chicks.
- Hoffmann, Alexandra. Incubation behavior of female Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) on sandy beaches.
2004
- Hall, James. Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) chick survival in two habitats in Humboldt County, California.
2003
- Marriot, Meg. Microhabitat characteristics predictive of Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) nest site selection in south San Francisco Bay.
- Roth, Jennifer. Sex differences in space use of breeding Common Ravens (Corvus corax) in western Marin County, California.
2002
- Ruthrauff, Dan. Seasonal and age-related trends in the reproductive output of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) at Kanaryaraq, Alaska.
2001
- Connolly, Linda. Comparative use of longline oyster beds and adjacent tidal flats by shorebirds and waders on Humboldt Bay, California.
2000
- Danufsky, Tamar. Winter shorebird communities of Humboldt Bay: Species diversity, distributions, and habitat characteristics.
- Tibbitts, Lee. Age-related differences in foraging ability of two sympatric tringine sandpipers.
- Mathis, Ryan. Analysis of Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) distributions at three spatial scales.
- Leeman, Thomas. Importance of coastal pastures to Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus).
- Leeman, Linda. Diet composition and energy intake rates of Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus) at the Elk River estuary, CA.
1998
- Isola, Craig. Habitat use by foraging waterbirds in the Grasslands of California's northern San Joaquin Valley.
1997
- Safran, Rebecca. Fine-scale foraging site selection by nonbreeding White-faced Ibis in managed wetlands of the northern San Joaquin Valley, California.
- Day, John. Fall and winter use of harvested rice fields by Pacific flyway White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons).
1996
- Williams, Oriane. Waterbird responses to late winter and early spring drawdowns of moist-soil managed wetlands in California's San Joaquin Valley.
1995
- Dodd, Sarah. Seasonal variation in diurnal and nocturnal distributions of nonbreeding shorebirds at north Humboldt Bay, California.