Ryan J. HanscomView profile
Assistant Professor
Ryan J. Hanscom is a faculty member in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at San Diego State University. His research focuses on developing innovative methodologies to study cryptic animal behaviors, particularly the feeding ecology of rattlesnakes. Hanscom's primary research interest lies in herpetology and animal behavior, with specific expertise in applying high-frequency accelerometry to document feeding behaviors of rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.). His work addresses a significant methodological challenge in herpetology: observing predators that feed infrequently and employ crypsis to ambush prey. By using accelerometry, Hanscom has developed approaches to classify key behaviors including locomotion, stillness, predatory striking, and prey swallowing with high precision. Hanscom's recent publication demonstrates the potential of accelerometry to document critical feeding behaviors in snakes that are difficult to observe directly. His research provides an 'end-to-end' template for identifying important behaviors involved in the foraging ecology of viperids, including accelerometer attachment methods, techniques for simulating feeding events in captivity, and model selection procedures using biologically relevant window sizes. Hanscom actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly with Dominic L. DeSantis from Georgia College & State University and Timothy E. Higham from University of California, Riverside. These collaborations span methodological development, field validation, and broader ecological applications of biotelemetry techniques. While specific student mentorship information isn't available in the provided materials, Hanscom's collaborative approach suggests he likely works with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in advancing these biotelemetry methodologies for studying elusive animal behaviors.
