My research aims to understand black bear behavior, specifically by assessing their space use and habitat selection. We collared bears across four different study areas in Wyoming, which will help us evaluate how black bears select resources across the state.

John is interested in the interplay of biology, chemistry, and physics and how that can guide new discoveries. Specifically, John works in the field of desiccation tolerance. This field explores how some organisms can survive despite losing nearly all their water.

Sarah studies queen bumble bee overwintering physiology. She is currently exploring how and where a queen bumble bee overwinters influences her survival and energy usage while overwintering, and/or her fitness post-winter.

For her Ph.D., Eva plans to build on concepts from her master’s research using geophysical data to better understand groundwater systems, while adding additional complexity by working in hydrothermally active areas. This research seeks to increase understanding how hydrothermal systems recharge in the context of climate change and the global water cycle, as well as inform geothermal energy exploration and development.

For her master’s research, Erin is studying how birds communicate and compete for resources in the tropical rainforests of central Panama. In particular, Erin is interested in examining the vocal behavior of female birds and suboscines (birds in which song is innate rather than learned) as these groups are understudied.

Kristen’s Ph.D. research focuses on collecting and understanding emissions from oil and natural gas (ONG) production facilities. She is particularly interested in methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of their negative effects on global climate, air quality, and human health.