Research

Raptor Demographics and Population Modeling My research in raptor demographics employs advanced statistical approaches to understand population dynamics and life history strategies. Using hierarchical Bayesian frameworks, I develop sophisticated recruitment models and examine fitness dynamics across multiple species. My work integrates long-term monitoring data into population models that reveal how environmental conditions and individual heterogeneity influence reproductive success and survival. Through integrated population models, I investigate source-sink dynamics and metapopulation structure, providing crucial insights into raptor population trajectories and their responses to environmental change.

Agricultural Landscape Analysis & Remote Sensing My expertise in remote sensing technologies enables landscape-scale analyses of environmental change. Using multiple generations of Landsat satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine, I develop custom algorithms to track land use transformations and climate patterns across vast geographic areas. This work combines advanced JavaScript programming with spatial analysis to create detailed temporal maps of landscape change, particularly focusing on how shifting agricultural practices and climate variables influence habitat availability and quality. These analyses provide critical insights into broad-scale environmental changes that impact wildlife populations.

Avian Health & Toxicology My research in avian health and toxicology spans multiple disciplines, combining field studies with laboratory analysis. Working with veterinary scientists from UC Davis, I've investigated the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae in wild California raptors. I've also led investigations into sub-lethal lead exposure in golden eagle nestlings, collaborating with the USFWS western golden eagle team. This research has produced significant findings linking exposure to spent lead ammunition through isotope analysis, contributing to our understanding of anthropogenic impacts on raptor health.

Movement Ecology and Species Behavior My work in movement ecology integrates multiple tracking technologies to study animal behavior and space use patterns. I've pioneered the implementation of automated radio-telemetry systems (MOTUS) across California and Mexico, while also utilizing satellite-based tracking to examine behavior and habitat use of sensitive species. This multi-technology approach allows for detailed analysis of movement patterns across different spatial and temporal scales, providing crucial insights into habitat connectivity, migration corridors, and species-specific behavioral responses to environmental change.

Climate Change and Conservation Planning My conservation research focuses on incorporating climate change projections into population management strategies. Through collaborations with multiple federal agencies, I develop continent-wide population models that integrate historical climate data with future climate scenarios. This work aims to improve our understanding of species' responses to climate change and enhance the effectiveness of conservation planning. By combining demographic data with climate projections, we can better predict population responses to environmental change and develop more robust management strategies for species of conservation concern.