Undergraduate Researcher return to map return to student search
Hometown:
Coeur d'Alene,
ID
US
(Kootenai County)
School:
Boise State University
Undergraduate student
Biology
Funded by EPSCoR Award:
ICREWS | OIA-2242769
Research Location(s):
Kuna (ID), Camas Prairie (ID)
COUNTIES: Ada, Camas
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT(S): District 22, District 24
Research Statement:
I've always been fascinated by birds of prey and have had a passion for birds for most of my life. I want to use that fascination and passion to conserve and protect raptors and the ecosystems they rely on. I love working hands-on with the birds, no matter how many times I am bitten or pooped on. During the time I have spent at Boise State University as an undergraduate, I have had amazing opportunities to work with birds such as Burrowing Owls, American Kestrels, Osprey, and many more. I am interested in continuing to work with and take data on raptors in the field that can be used to further our understanding of them and how we can best move forward in their conservation.
Research Impact:
My study with the Heath Lab at Boise State University sought to understand how expanding agriculture has impacted American Kestrels in southwestern Idaho through 1) influences on nest site selection in a partially migratory population, and 2) Haemosporidian blood parasite loads in wild vs. irrigated landscapes. Expanding agriculture often competes with conservation of wild landscapes, and must be managed closely to ensure too much wild land is not lost. Understanding how raptors like kestrels interact with agriculture will provide insights on how beneficial or costly irrigation is to the ecosystem.