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People

Dr. Jennifer M. Burns, Principal Investigator
​Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences

jenn.burns@ttu.edu

Curriculum Vitae

TTU Website

 

Research in my laboratory has explored the linkages between physiology, nutrition, and performance in mammalian systems. Primarily, our work is focused on polar marine mammals, as the challenges these species face to exploit underwater food resources in a highly seasonal environment have led to multiple unique adaptations that highlight basic physiological principles. Research activities have proceeded along three main lines: 1) understanding the pattern of physiological development in juvenile marine mammals, and how it is regulated; 2) determining how physiological condition impacts diving performance and foraging success; and 3) determining how critical life history events are influenced by, and reflective of, individual condition and prey availability and environmental conditions. These questions are particularly relevant in polar ecosystems, where climate change is reducing available habitats, and altering food webs, but they are important to all populations.

Ms. Caroline Branan, MSc. student
cbranan@ttu.edu
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Thesis Title: The role of iron in heme store development and aerobic diving capacity in grey seal pups

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Research Interests: “My research interests revolve around marine mammal physiology and ecology. My interests sparked when I worked on a research project investigating bottlenose dolphin stomach contents on the North Caroline coast during my undergrad. Now, I’m investigating whether iron limitations in grey seal pups are due to internal physiology or lack of intake during development by analyzing their hematology after supplementation. When I’m not talking about marine biology, I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, playing the violin, or pursuing a variety of other creative hobbie

Annaleigh Laine
 
annaleiigh.laine@ttu.edu

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PhD Thesis Title (tentative): Dietary differences in Grey seal feamles as determined by stable isotope analyese

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MSc. Thesis (U Miami): "The Effects of El Niño and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) on Leptospira Exposure in Alaskan Stocks of Pacific Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi)

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Research Interests: I'm a recent Master's graduate with a passion for marine mammal science. While my main interest is pinniped (seal and sea lion),  my experience includes cetacean research and marine mammal rehabilitation. I am also passionate about, and have experience in, education. Most recently, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Miami. As my journey has taken me all over the United States, from Mississippi to Alaska, I can't wait to see where I will end up next!

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Briley Krouse, MS Student
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briley.krouse@ttu.edu
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Thesis Project:  Diving and movement patterns of weaned grey seal pups

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Research Interests: : My research interests are focused on behavior, ecology, and physiology, particularly in concern to marine mammals. I graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Marine Biology. During my undergraduate experience, I completed research on the effects of physiological changes on ctenophore feeding behavior. I look forward to working on a project that aligns with my research interests in physiology, as I have always been interested in the physiological adaptations concerning marine mammal diving behavior. While not focused on school, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and painting, among many other hobbies.

EmmaLi Tsai, MSc. Student
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Thesis Title (2022): Heat loss in Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii): implications of environmental and behavioral change to the cost of the annual summer molt

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Research Interests: 

Past Graduate Students:

 

Postdoctoral Scholars
  • Dr. Michelle Shero (2015-2018)
  • Dr. Amy Bishop (2015-2016)
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Past Undergraduate Students:

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  • Undergraduate Student Researchers in Lab: Marina Rivera, UC CAMP program (1999-2000), Leslie Sarten (2000-2001), Danielle Love (2002), Nick Bronson (2004-2005),  Dana Jenski (2005-2006), Nicollete Skomp (2007-2009), Nancy Bishop (2007-2009), Mallory Givens (2009-2011), Kattrina Crouch (2010-2011), Shane Ralls (2010-2011), Lena Hummell (summer 2012), Chelsea DeStefano (summer 2015), Concepcion Melovidov (2017-2018).

  • NSF- Sponsored REU students: Ryan Langendorf (summer 2008), Michelle Shero (Summer 2009, 2010), Katie Robbins (summer 2011), Kathleen Robertson (summer 2012), Lauren Simonitis (summer 2013), Jessica Espinosa (summer 2014), Clara Wollner (summer 2015).

  • High School Student Researchers: Mentored 3 high school students who participated in NIH-NIDDK program at UAA (Josh Proper, Juan Aparicio, Sijo Smith)

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