jwhite4872

I completed my Bachelors of Science in Organismal Biology and Ecology at Middle Tennessee State University. During this time, I was involved in undergraduate research on the occurrence and thermal biology of an invasive zooplankton, Daphnia lumholtzi. This experience peaked my interest in wetland ecology. I presented my work at both university and state wide conferences. I also spent time as an avian intern at the Nashville Zoo where I gained invaluable experience in the safe handling on a variety of avian species.

Following graduation, I spent time in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina with the Proyecto Macá Tobiano (Hooded Grebe Project). During my stay, I participated in surveys and colony monitoring of the endangered Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) as well as invasive predator trapping. Prior to the project, I went on an excursion to Isla Martillo in Tierra del Fuego where I had my first encounter with penguins in the wild. This brief visit combined with my time spent in the field convinced me that avian research was the right path for me.

This past year I joined Dr. Herman Mays’ lab at Marshall University as a Masters student. I started immediately on a project to genetically sex several hundred Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) blood samples for Dr. Antje Steinfurth’s project in Tristan da Cunha. I am interested in penguin ecology and have developed this project focusing on Fiordland Crested Penguin foraging niche as my Masters thesis work.

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May 2017