I received my B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Zoology in 2004 and joined the Clayton lab at the University of Utah in 2006 in order to pursue a Ph.D. in Biology. My research is focused on host-parasite dynamics, particularly in the initial stages of an association. I am interested in the selective agents driving host-parasite associations either towards the extinction of the host or parasite, or towards co-evolutionary adaptations that prevent the extinction of either species.

I am fortunate enough to work on one of the most exciting systems in evolutionary biology, Darwin’s finches. The fly, Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae), was recently introduced to the Galapagos where it is now suspected to parasitize nearly all endemic Galapagos avifauna. My work focuses on a single species of Darwin’s finch, the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis) and the effects of P. downsi on G. fortis fitness. The larvae of P. downsi are obligate, nest parasites that blood feed on nestling birds. Several studies have now shown the devastating effects of this parasite on G. fortis nestling survival and overall fitness. My work investigates these effects in greater detail. I am exploring the mechanism by which P. downsi larvae contribute to a decrease in G. fortis fitness by examining effects on each life stage of G. fortis. In addition to overall survival and reproduction, I am also interested in host defense mechanisms. One possible host defense mechanism that I am investigating is G. fortis immune response to P. downsi. Another mechanism may behavioral, such as adjusted parental investment to compensate for parasitized offspring. I will investigate both of these defense mechanisms as potential sources of variation within the population that can act as selective agents within this host-parasite association.

Baby Einstein, a nestling medium ground finch

Aside from my work in the Galapagos, I have a general interest in avian behavioral defense mechanisms. Birds perform several puzzling behaviors that potentially function to prevent or to combat ectoparasites, such as lice, ticks, feather-degrading bacteria, and keratinophilic fungi. I have investigated the anti-parasite functions of preening and sunning, a behavior in which birds spread their feathers and lay out in full sunlight. Other behaviors of interest include dusting, in which birds cover themselves with dust particles, and anting, in which birds rub ants (or other materials) onto the feathers as the ants exude their own defense chemicals.
While I have a passion for research, I also share a great interest in teaching. Since coming to the University of Utah, I have had the privilege of TAing several biology courses, including a field ecology course near Moab, UT. The field ecology course is an intense two-week field course designed to immerse students in the scientific process. I enjoyed tutoring students through the process and realized that, in turn, I also greatly benefited from the course. I enjoy sharing my research with broader audiences and feel that teaching is a critical component of scientific research.

Publications:

Clayton, D. H., J. A. H. Koop, C. W. Harbison, B. R. Moyer and S. E. Bush. In press. How birds combat ectoparasites. Open Ornithology Journal (invited review for supplement on bird-parasite interactions).