Jessica Buskirk (MS Student)
Email: jbuskirk@nmsu.edu
Email: jbuskirk@nmsu.edu
My current master’s thesis is focused on examining kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) ecology within White Sands National Park. Kit foxes persist within the unique gypsum-based ecosystem of White Sands, but little is known about the population there. I am using spatial capture-recapture models within a Bayesian framework to estimate density as well as generalized linear mixed models to examine resource selection. This data will provide baseline knowledge of the kit fox population for managers in the area. I completed my BS in Wildlife Ecology at Washington State University (go Cougs!) in 2013 and have since enjoyed working with carnivores of all shapes and sizes across the US. My interests in ecological research and management are broad, but I’m particularly interested in mesocarnivore movement and population dynamics. I’m also passionate about outreach and education, especially promoting diversity in natural resource fields and providing mentorship and opportunities to young biologists.
My current master’s thesis is focused on examining kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) ecology within White Sands National Park. Kit foxes persist within the unique gypsum-based ecosystem of White Sands, but little is known about the population there. I am using spatial capture-recapture models within a Bayesian framework to estimate density as well as generalized linear mixed models to examine resource selection. This data will provide baseline knowledge of the kit fox population for managers in the area. I completed my BS in Wildlife Ecology at Washington State University (go Cougs!) in 2013 and have since enjoyed working with carnivores of all shapes and sizes across the US. My interests in ecological research and management are broad, but I’m particularly interested in mesocarnivore movement and population dynamics. I’m also passionate about outreach and education, especially promoting diversity in natural resource fields and providing mentorship and opportunities to young biologists.