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New Graduate Students Positions
Current Graduate
Students
Keri Lestyk
Vanessa VonBiela
Michael
Rehberg
Past Graduate
Students
Cheryl
Clark
Julie
Richmond
Danielle
Savarese
Danielle
Greaves
M.Sc. in Fisheries, 1993
Department of Biological Sciences
Jennifer
M. Burns
Assistant
Professor of Biology
Department of
Biological Sciences, EBL 123
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska
Anchorage, AK 99508
afjmb4@uaa.alaska.edu
Phone:
907-786-1527
Fax: 907-786-4607
B.S. Marine Biology & Zoology, 1990
"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.
Follow the links
in the sidebar
to
find out more about a few of the current projects in my
laboratory
I am currently recruiting for two new graduate students to work on ongoing research projects. If interested, please contact me via email.
MSc/ PhD student wanted for study of Steller sea lion habitat selection and use. Student will analyze data from old and new Satellite tag deployments on juvenile Steller sea lions and link behavioral data to habitat characteristics. Previous GIS experience preferred.
PhD student wanted to participate in a study of sea otter behavioral ecology and physiology. Study will take place in Kodiak, Alaska, and focus on seasonal variation in behavioral patterns and condition. Student will be based in Anchorage, AK, but will be expected to spend time in both Kodiak and Fairbanks. MSc required, previous experience with telemetry and small boats a plus. Position to start Fall 2004.