Undergraduate Research with A. Styring

Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Environmental Studies. This opportunity is designed to allow advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. The program will help students develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills - all of which are of particular value for students who are pursuing a graduate degree, as well as for graduates who are are already in the job market.

Alison Styring  conducts research on the responses of forest bird communities to environmental change. Current activity in her lab includes assessment of biodiversity inventory methods in compiling complete and accurate estimates of species richness and population density; tracking long-term changes in bird communities due to habitat alteration; understanding relationships between avian life history strategies and environmental cycles across large latitudinal gradients; and tracking migratory movements using automated telemetry.