Michael Reed

Michael Reed is a Professor of Biology at Tufts University and holds an adjunct position in the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health. His research focuses on avian ecology and conservation biology, particularly assessing extinction risks, habitat fragmentation, and the role of animal behavior in conservation. He has conducted extensive studies on Hawaiian waterbirds, Caribbean shorebirds, and the impacts of urbanization and climate change on biodiversity. His work integrates field studies, mathematical modeling, and GIS technology to evaluate conservation strategies.

Education:

• PhD in Zoology, North Carolina State University (1989)
• MS in Zoology, University of Montana (1984)
• BA in Biology, Millersville University (1981)

Research Interests:

• Extinction risk assessment and population viability
• Effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on species
• Conservation of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and Caribbean shorebirds
• Interdisciplinary approaches to wetland and island ecosystems
• Social-ecological frameworks for mutual gains in conservation

Advising & Labs: Leads the Reed Lab at Tufts, mentoring PhD students like Jessica Cañizares (Caribbean shorebird conservation), Adam Eichenwald (community viability analysis), and Jonah Levy (boreal bird communities and equity frameworks). The lab emphasizes fieldwork, modeling, and policy integration.

Labs/Teams: Based at the Dana Laboratory and Robinson Hall, the Reed Lab collaborates with global partners on projects like wetland monitoring in Hawaii and Caribbean shorebird prioritization. Research also explores firefly conservation and ecosystem resilience under climate change.