Beth MacDougall-Shackleton

Beth MacDougall-Shackleton, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Western University. Her research focuses on evolutionary and behavioral ecology of songbirds, particularly investigating how infectious disease and sexual selection influence genetic diversity. She leads a lab at the Advanced Facility for Avian Research, studying topics like host-parasite interactions and the role of song in mate choice. Current lab members include PhD and MSc students working on immune-related loci, migratory behavior, and genetic diversity. She advises graduate students in the Biology program and welcomes applicants with field or lab experience. Her lab has conducted long-term studies at Queen's University Biological Station, examining song sparrow populations. Key collaborations involve analyzing preen oil chemistry, MHC diversity, and migratory physiology. Recent findings include insights into malaria's impact on migration and odor-based disease avoidance in birds.

Research themes include: 1) Sexual selection mechanisms through vocal and chemical signals, exploring how song reflects genetic compatibility and inbreeding avoidance. 2) Host-parasite dynamics, investigating local adaptation in malaria resistance and immune gene evolution. Publications span 25+ years, with notable work on MHC signaling, migratory physiology, and developmental stress effects on song learning. Lab alumni have pursued roles in academia and conservation. Teaching interests include Evolutionary Biology courses though she is currently not teaching.

Labs/Teams: Principal Investigator of the MacDougall-Shackleton Lab at Western University, collaborating with institutions like Queen's University Biological Station. Future work emphasizes linking immune genetics to ecological processes and migratory behavior in fragmented landscapes.