I’m interested in cognitive aspects of antipredator behavior, such as the importance of gathering information, the content of collected information, and how acquired information leads to subsequent behavioral decisions.  More specifically, I research the risk assessment strategies that prey employ when negotiating ambiguous threat (e.g. a predator is not present, but its prior activity at a site is associated with the potential for risk from a secondary source, such as a trap).  In addition, I’m interested in the variable responses of individuals towards threat, or the prevalence of behavioral syndromes in an antipredator context.

As Director of the Center for the Sustainable Environment, I'm also interested in environmental conservation and the promotion of F&M as a leader in the sustainability movement.

Doctorate of Philosophy in Wildlife Biology                
 2004-2008  Utah State University
Dissertation:  Cognitive and behavioral responses of the coyote (Canis latrans) toward ambiguous threat

Bachelor of Science in Biology                                       
1998-2002  College of Charleston
Bachelor’s Essays:  Musculature of the preorbital fossa of muntjac deer, Evolution of the sea otter

Cognitive aspects of antipredator behavior; behavioral consequences of anthropogenic activity; behavioral syndromes; cognitive ecology; behavioral ecology; large carnivore behavior and conservation, trophica cascades, impacts on biodiversity, attitudes towards nature

I am not accepting research students at this time.

ENV/BIO 360 Wildlife Conservation for a Changing Planet

ENV 361 This is Garbage