Current Raptor Biology Student Projects
The Master of Science in Raptor Biology is designed for students holding a bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines of the biological sciences to enhance their knowledge and understanding of raptor biology and ecology.
Student Projects
Check out our current Raptor Biology graduate students’ amazing research.
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David Bontrager
My research focuses on the federally endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon, which was reintroduced to coastal Texas after disappearing from the U.S. in the 1950’s. I am examining the potential impact that Great Horned Owls and habitat encroachment may be having on falcon nesting success.
My research focuses on the federally endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon, which was reintroduced to coastal Texas after disappearing from the U.S. in the 1950’s. I am examining the potential impact that Great Horned Owls and habitat encroachment may be having on falcon nesting success.
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Brent Clark
My research focuses on a local burrowing owl population in portions of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area within southwestern Idaho in which I am exploring how kinship is structured in the population, developing a better understanding of population dynamics, and determining what factors influence lifetime reproductive success.
My research focuses on a local burrowing owl population in portions of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area within southwestern Idaho in which I am exploring how kinship is structured in the population, developing a better understanding of population dynamics, and determining what factors influence lifetime reproductive success.
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Michael Gordon
Like snowflakes and fingerprints, it may be said that no two barn owls are alike. I am investigating the extent of variability in barn owl plumage colors between individuals and the evolutionary drivers behind their expression.
Like snowflakes and fingerprints, it may be said that no two barn owls are alike. I am investigating the extent of variability in barn owl plumage colors between individuals and the evolutionary drivers behind their expression.
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Nora Honkomp
I am using citizen science data to determine the timing of autumn departure of migratory raptor species from their North American breeding ranges throughout the last two decades. My research will combine this information with remotely sensed weather data to determine the local environmental conditions around the times of departure. I am hoping to determine factors that affect departure timing and assess the variation in these factors between species and regions. Ultimately, my work may be useful in predicting shifts in raptor migratory timing as climatic conditions change.
I am using citizen science data to determine the timing of autumn departure of migratory raptor species from their North American breeding ranges throughout the last two decades. My research will combine this information with remotely sensed weather data to determine the local environmental conditions around the times of departure. I am hoping to determine factors that affect departure timing and assess the variation in these factors between species and regions. Ultimately, my work may be useful in predicting shifts in raptor migratory timing as climatic conditions change.
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Ashley Santiago
My research focuses on how multiple stressors may interact to reduce population size and elevate extinction risk in the local population of golden eagles in the NCA. We are seeing an accelerated decline in territory occupancy of the local population. I am specifically looking into the affects of land cover change and juvenile survival to determine potential drivers for this decline.
My research focuses on how multiple stressors may interact to reduce population size and elevate extinction risk in the local population of golden eagles in the NCA. We are seeing an accelerated decline in territory occupancy of the local population. I am specifically looking into the affects of land cover change and juvenile survival to determine potential drivers for this decline.
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Jessica Taylor
My research is focused on the movement and space-use of breeding American Kestrels across a gradient of urban development in northern Utah. I am investigating the relationship between home-range size and the impacts that may have on nestling health and productivity in land cover types ranging from commercial to wildland.
My research is focused on the movement and space-use of breeding American Kestrels across a gradient of urban development in northern Utah. I am investigating the relationship between home-range size and the impacts that may have on nestling health and productivity in land cover types ranging from commercial to wildland.