I completed my MS while co-advised by Dr. Richard Chandler and Dr. Robert Cooper. For my thesis work, I investigated the demographic causes of population declines of Black-throated Blue Warblers (Setogphaga caerulescens) at the trailing edge of their breeding range in relation to climate change. To test hypotheses related to climatic influences on demography, I developed a new extension of the Jolly-Seber model to compare Black-throated Blue Warbler demography at two sites: one near the center of this species’ distribution (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest) and the other at the trailing edge of its distribution (Coweeta Hyrdrologic Laboratory). I am currently working on a Ph.D. that will investigate the population dynamics of several songbird species at Coweeta, specifically looking at how temperature variations that are caused by differing climate scenarios could have population implications.

To learn more about me visit my website or email 11rchit (at) uga.edu