I study social behaviours in wildlife vertebrates. I am especially interested in trade-offs between glucocorticoid and sex steroids, reproductive success, and survival. Specifically, I am fascinated by costs associated with steroid circulation that are sex specific, related to individual identity, personality, or life-history theory. My long-term studies take place in the field, under natural conditions, utilizing non-invasive matrices that integrate circulating steroids over time (e.g., hairs, feathers, claws, and saliva). Changes in steroid concentrations and associated behavioural changes can provide valuable information on the well being of individuals, groups, and populations.

Fields of interest:

Wildlife hormones and social behaviour

• Sex differences in reproductive strategies
• Testosterone and maternal behaviour
• Testosterone, glucocorticoids, risk-taking behaviour, and fitness
• Sex differences in the effects of prenatal hormones
• Comparative endocrinology

Behavioural Ecology

• Life history traits and trade-offs
• Courtship and mating
• Operational sex ratios
•  Social organization
•  Acoustic communication

Conservation

• Human impact on wildlife
• Wildlife impact on humans
• Interactions between domesticated or introduced animals and wildlife