University of Alaska Anchorage

 

College of Arts and Sciences

 

Graduate School

 

ENRI

 

Biology Department
Biology home
Biology faculty
Undergrad Program

Graduate Program

My Research
Antarctic Seals

Arctic Seals

Steller Sea Lions
Harbor Seals

Multibeam Sonar

 List of Publications


Graduate Students

 

Current
George Esslinger

Keri Lestyk  

Linnea Pearson 

 

Past
Cheryl Clark
Jill Prewitt

Michael Rehberg

Julie Richmond
Danielle Savarese
Vanessa vonBiela

 

Openings in the Lab

 

Teaching
Biology A116
Biology A378

Biology A415/615

Biology A430/630 
Undergraduate Research

  


Jennifer M. Burns

 


Associate Professor of Biology

&

Faculty Research Fellow, ENRI

 

Department of Biological Sciences, CPSB 202C
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska
Anchorage, AK 99508
jburns@uaa.alaska.edu
Phone: 907-786-1527
Fax: 907-786-4607

 


B.S. Marine Biology & Zoology, 1990
.     University of California, Berkeley

M.Sc. in Fisheries, 1993. University of Washington
"Environmental and biological factors that influence harbor seal haulout behavior in Washington, and their consequences for the design of population surveys" 

Ph.D. in Marine Biology, 1997. University of Alaska, Fairbanks
"The development of diving behavior and physiology in juvenile Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica" 

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, 1997-2000. University of California, Santa Cruz. Phocid Developmental Physiology

Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding how the age and physiological status of juvenile marine mammals influences their diving and foraging capacities, and on how differences in rates of physiological development impact life history traits. I currently have an active research program focused on understanding whether the rate and extent of neonatal physiological development is closely correlated with the onset of independent foraging. For all marine mammals, the ability to remain submerged for long periods of time is largely dependent on two parameters: the amount of oxygen that can be carried to depth, and the rate at which it is used. However, our research has suggested that juvenile behaviors are constrained as a result of higher oxygen use rates, smaller reserves, and reduced body size, and that these constraints likely impact growth and survival. In my research, I use a wide variety of analytical tools including computerized dive recorders, satellite telemetry and GIS techniques, as well as several more hands-on techniques such as measuring heart rate and respiration patterns, energy use, and animal condition and health status.

Research Publications

Follow the links  in the sidebar to find out more about a few of the current projects in my laboratory


Positions Available

I am currently recruiting for 2-3 new graduate students to work on ongoing research projects. If interested, please contact me via email.

MSc/ PhD student(s) wanted for study of Weddell seal physiology. Student will participate in field project focused on understanding overwinter diving and movement patterns of Weddell seals, and the interaction between behavior and physiological condition. One student will focus on physiology, and experience and interest in biochemistry and physiological techniques preferred. A second student will focus on modeling diving behavior, so statistical and mathematical skills preferred. 

MSc/PhD student wanted to participate in a study of the role of micronutrients in the development of diving ability in young pinnipeds. Some field work, but mainly the study will focus on laboratory analyses of collected samples. Strong skills in physiology, biochemistry, and molecular techniques preferred.


  Last update 10/28/09