Research Interests
I am a behavioral ecologist with broad interests in understanding the environmental perceptions and preferences of animals. I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of captive (zoo/aquarium/lab-housed) and free-ranging species. I thoroughly enjoy the research process, and value the opportunity to share that passion with my students! I have served as a research advisor for both Honors College (HC 3900) and Independent Study (Bio 4995) projects at Oakland University. Below are a few examples of current and former research endeavors. If you are a current Oakland University student interested in pursuing research opportunities, please contact me directly (stroxellsmith@oakland.edu) to set up a chat! :-)
Oakland University Undergraduate Research Projects
(Research Advisor)
Investigation into the breeding behavior of dubia roaches (Mailloux, 2023-present)
Using technology to determine foraging preferences of native MI bird species (Limbert and Rank, 2023-present)
The foraging ecology of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) (Penrose, 2021-present)
Visitor effects on behavior and space-use of rays in captivity (Traux and Meri, 2022-2023)
Effects of behavioral modification training in animal shelters (Mansour, 2021-2022)
Captive elasmobranch behavior and space use, and dogfish shark stereotypic behavior (Hart, 2018-2020)
Effects of enrichment on resource guarding in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) (Stefanko, 2021)
Elasmobranch Behavior and Enrichment:
How do elasmobranchs respond to enrichment objects and environmental changes in quarantine? (Purdy, 2020)
Effects of human hunting on the foraging behavior and preferences of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (Carden, 2018)
An observational study on the contributions of environmental factors on the social behaviors of Pan troglodytes. (Chande, 2018-2019)
Oakland University Biological Preserve Animal Biodiversity Survey
Oakland University beaver population monitoring- began Dec 2023
As of Feb 2024, we have confirmed the presence of 2 beaver in the OU Biological Preserve!
Beaver
Flying squirrel
Coyote
Mink
Turkey
White-tail deer doe and fawn
Downy woodpecker
White-tail deer buck
Foarging Ecology of Native MI Species
Zoo Foraging Ecology
Okapi Food Patches
Wallaby Food Patch
Mara Food Patch
House Mouse (Mus musculus) Foraging Ecology
Wild Mus
Foraging Arena
Lab Mus
Domestic Dog Foraging Ecology
