Jennifer J
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Northern Arizona University

Expertise

Genetics, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, and Conservation Biology

Bio

I am absolutely fascinated by the diversity of life on earth, and how different species interact with each other, along with abiotic factors in their environment. However, with global biodiversity declining, I am focusing my research on answering conservation questions, to reduce extinction risk, understand threats, and improve management. I have experience managing large data sets, conducting behavioural research, and collecting measurements and samples from wild birds and mammals (such as weight, age, wing length, blood) from around the world. I am a huge natural history nerd, so in my free time I go birdwatching, SCUBA dive, do wildlife photography, and nature art. As a transgender woman, I also strive to make everyone feel included and be an advocate for them.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Local Pollinator Study

In this project, students would investigate which plants are preferred by different pollinators. Primarily, this would focus on insect pollinators such as butterflies and bees due to species diversity. This will include observing flower visitation and visit length to compare species preference among related pollinators, along with conducting behavioural analysis to look deeper at species preference and interactions between species. Students could use and analyze this data to write a scientific research paper.

Coding skills

some python and R

Teaching experience

After Graduating from University I worked as a Substitute Teacher at a High School. As a Graduate Student I teach laboratory classes; General Biology and Microbiology

Credentials

Work experience

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (2022 - 2022)

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Field Technician

Tracy Aviary (2020 - 2021)

Aviculture Intern

Education

University of Utah

MS Master of Science (2020)

Bioology

Northern Arizona University

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Biology

Interested in working with expert mentors like Jennifer?

Apply now

Jennifer J - Research Program Mentor