We study the developmental and biological mechanisms of adaptive behaviors that enhance survival and reproduction in species-typical environments. In particular, we investigate the reciprocal interactions among social, hormonal and genetic processes and how they differentially affect behavior depending on ecological and social contexts. We use comparative approaches in the field, in the lab and in other settings, studying human and non-human primates, other mammals (e.g. lions, dolphins, and ground-dwelling squirrels) and birds.
Parental habituation to human disturbance over time reduces fear of humans in coyote offspring.
Parental habituation to human disturbance over time reduces fear of humans in coyote offspring. Ecol Evol. 2018 Dec; 8(24):12965-12980.
PMID: 30619597
Investigation of techniques to measure cortisol and testosterone concentrations in coyote hair.
Investigation of techniques to measure cortisol and testosterone concentrations in coyote hair. Zoo Biol. 2017 May; 36(3):220-225.
PMID: 28295537
The ontogeny of kin-recognition mechanisms in Belding's ground squirrels.
The ontogeny of kin-recognition mechanisms in Belding's ground squirrels. Physiol Behav. 2017 05 01; 173:279-284.
PMID: 28242467
Olfactory attractants and parity affect prenatal androgens and territoriality of coyote breeding pairs.
Olfactory attractants and parity affect prenatal androgens and territoriality of coyote breeding pairs. Physiol Behav. 2016 10 15; 165:43-54.
PMID: 27378509
Within-individual correlations reveal link between a behavioral syndrome, condition and cortisol in free-ranging Belding's ground squirrels.
Within-individual correlations reveal link between a behavioral syndrome, condition and cortisol in free-ranging Belding's ground squirrels. Ethology. 2015 Feb; 121(2):125-134.
PMID: 25598565
Development, maternal effects, and behavioral plasticity.
Development, maternal effects, and behavioral plasticity. Integr Comp Biol. 2014 Nov; 54(5):841-9.
PMID: 24820855
Chronically raised glucocorticoids reduce innate immune function in Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi) after an immune challenge.
Chronically raised glucocorticoids reduce innate immune function in Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi) after an immune challenge. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2013 Nov 01; 193:149-57.
PMID: 23948370
Odor-based recognition of familiar and related conspecifics: a first test conducted on captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).
Odor-based recognition of familiar and related conspecifics: a first test conducted on captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). PLoS One. 2011; 6(9):e25002.
PMID: 21957471
Choke or thrive? The relation between salivary cortisol and math performance depends on individual differences in working memory and math-anxiety.
Choke or thrive? The relation between salivary cortisol and math performance depends on individual differences in working memory and math-anxiety. Emotion. 2011 Aug; 11(4):1000-5.
PMID: 21707166
Toward an integrative understanding of social behavior: new models and new opportunities.
Toward an integrative understanding of social behavior: new models and new opportunities. Front Behav Neurosci. 2010; 4:34.
PMID: 20661457