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Siena College, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. I enjoy teaching undergraduate courses and conducting interdisciplinary research directly integrates undergraduates, and investigates urban wildlife ecology & conservation, human-wildlife interactions, and spatial ecology.

My interests explore the behavioral ecology of wildlife, particularly carnivores, to understand how animals are responding to changing environments while also seeking to better understand human–wildlife interactions to reduce or prevent conflicts and maintain human valuation of our wildlife species.  Undergraduate students are a big part of my reserach program, and I'm always happy to take on a motivated & curious student as volunteers, independent study students, or paid summer scholars.  

Degree Program University
Ph.D. Natural Resources Cornell University
M.S. Biology SUNY University at Albany
B.S. Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

My Siena Experience

What I Love About Siena

The students.  

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2016 - Now Assistant Professor Siena Collge
2014 - 2016 Lecturer of Wildlife Science Paul Smith's College
2014 - 2016 Visiting Assistant Professor Siena College
2013 - 2014 Lecturer in Environmental Studies and Sciences Siena College
2012 - 2013 Instructor of Wildlife Science Paul Smith's College
2005 - 2012 Doctoral Candidate / Graduate Research Assistant Cornell University
2002 - 2004 Master's Student SUNY Albany
2001 - 2005 Wildlife Research Assistant NY State Museum, Research and Collections

Current Research

The purpose of my research agenda is to investigate how animals are adapting to urbanization.  Therefore, I seek to quantify animal behavior, eihter directly or indirectly through various research methods.  

Current Research Projects (as PI):

  • Coyote diet ecology in Albany & Rensselaer Counties
  • Fisher Occupancy in the Albany Pine Bush
  • Evaluation and development of alternative camera trapping equipment
Additional collaborations:
  • Snapshot USA collaborator
  • Bold Coyote Assessment collaborator

Articles & Book Reviews

  • SNAPSHOT USA 2020: A second coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Ecology
    2022
  • SNAPSHOT USA 2019: A coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States
    Ecology, vol. 102
    2021

Presentations

  • Evaluating Camera Trap Performance to Improve Long-term Natural History Studies of Mammals.
    April, 2020
    Northeast Natural History Conference, Stamford, Connecticut
  • Evaluating Camera Trap Performance to Improve Long-term Natural History Studies of Mammals.
    March, 2020
    Northeast Natural History Conference, Stamford, Connecticut
  • Assessing the Persistence of Fishers (Pekania pennanti) in a Managed, Fragmented, and Suburban Landscape in Albany, NY.
    April, 2019
    Northeast Natural History Conference, Springfield, Massachusetts