research

Research in this lab focuses on three major themes: 

We tackle each topic asking questions related to the mechanisms, the behavioural responses, and the fitness-consequences that allow individuals, populations, and species to cope (or not!) with these challenges. Proximately, we investigate the role of hormones in regulating responses to each challenge. Behaviourally, we look at how individuals cope with these challenges within the social context. And ultimately, we tackle questions related to effects of these challenges on growth and reproduction.

Host-parasite interactions

This work focuses on understanding costs of acute and chronic parasitic infections. We work both at the individual and population level. We are currently looking at costs of infections with avian Haemosporidians in migratory birds and with Giardia in rodents. 

Human-wildlife conflict and coexistence

This research focuses on understanding how individuals of different species cope with anthropogenic challenges. We are particulalry interested in looking at how migratory birds respond to these challenges in rural environments and how mammals tackle these challenges in the context of the wildlife trade.

Coping with environmental challenges

This research broadly focuses on how individuals cope with predictable (e.g., seasonal changes) and unpredictable environmental challenges (e.g., onset and duration of rare climatic events, such as droughts). We are currently investigating this topic in aerial insectivores.

Interested in our work? Join us!

We are always looking to recruit passionate and motivated students keen on learning more about the topics we work on. Because our work is mostly outdoors, we are interested in taking on people that love nature and being outside. Currently our lab is looking to fill undergraduate-level positions only. We are open to recruit research assistants for the spring-summer to work on field-based projects with birds and mammals. Send me an email if you want to know more. Make sure to include a copy of your cv / resume and unofficial transcripts with your message.