Behavioral Ecology, Physiology, and Evolution
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

I am an Akademische Rätin / Research Associate currently working with a long-term study system of great (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to investigate life history and individual differences.

Previously, I have worked with another long-term study system, the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) which is parasitized by the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), using brood parasitism as a model system to study behavior and physiology.

Research Topics

Life History

How do organisms deal with survival and reproductive trade-offs during various life stages?

I am investigating this currently through the fledging behavior of great and blue tits. Previously, I have worked on how brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds affect the life history of their host, the prothonotary warbler.

Movement

What kinds of information can birds gather from each other's nesting attempts, and how do they use it?

I am investigating these questions using RFID technology and a population of PIT-tagged prothonotary warblers.

Recognition

Some hosts accept brood parasitic eggs and offspring. But do they know it's a parasite, and accept for other reasons?

I have studied recognition of these parasites experimentally through hormones and behavior of the host.

Parasite-host interactions

How do parasites affect the hosts they are raised with? Do the hosts incur costs specific to the parasite?

I have experimentally manipulating nests and collected data from hatching to fledging to understand what pressures parasites exert on their host.

Behavioral Ecology, Physiology, and Evolution Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Research Topics

Behavioral Ecology, Physiology, and Evolution
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich