David Wilson

David Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland, part of the Faculty of Science. He holds affiliations with the Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology (CABE) program and directs the Wilson Lab, focusing on animal behaviour research. His academic journey includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Manitoba, a Ph.D. from Macquarie University, and postdoctoral work at the University of Windsor under Dr. Daniel Mennill. He joined Memorial University in 2014.

His research integrates theory-driven investigations into animal communication, predator-prey interactions, evolution, and sexual selection, with a focus on birds. Recent work explores cognitive effects of diet in ring-billed gulls and lunar influences on seabird breeding. The Wilson Lab supports interdisciplinary training, with graduate students affiliated with CABE or Biology.

Notable lab achievements include Jessika Lamarre’s work on omega-3 fatty acids in avian cognition (2024) and Miguel Mejías’ 2023 PhD on vireo song evolution. The lab also studies anthropogenic noise impacts and seabird spatial ecology.

Publications span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on avian cognition, vocalization, and conservation. His research has been featured in journals like *Nature*, *Science of the Total Environment*, and *Journal of Avian Biology*.

Lab members include current students Kathy Bonilla (Alcidae vocalizations), Jenna Bustin (avian song amplitude), and Sydney Collins (Leach’s Storm Petrel behavior). Former students have pursued roles in academia and conservation, reflecting the lab’s focus on applied and theoretical research.