research

For mammals with extended periods of maternal care, transmitting information from mother to offspring can be an adaptive strategy because mothers can share information about what has already been successful with their offspring. Alternatively, what is passed from generation to generation can also be constraining: for example, mothers may pass down diseases or suboptimal habitat. Understanding how cross-generational forces shape offspring throughout their lives can help better understand the ecology of these animals, but also can help determine suitable management actions. 

I seek to understand how information, space use, and disease are passed from mother to offspring. Using data from the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project, we are untangling whether migratory routes are passed from mother to daughter. I also lead the Bates Hole Mule Deer Project, where we are studying whether chronic wasting disease is passed from mother to daughter, and what the population ramifications of this transmission might be. 

Any management, conservation, or policy action can only be successful with the support and buy-in from stakeholders. Because our actions and desires are based on a strong foundation of our values, beliefs, and more, securing support and buy-in from stakeholders requires a deep understanding of the values and beliefs they hold. 

I seek to understand what stakeholders belief and value regarding the large mammals of Wyoming, and use this information to better understand the management actions they will support. Using interviews and quantitative surveys, we strive to gain an empirical understanding of stakeholder views, which can then be used to guide management actions.