Douglas Wacker

Douglas Wacker serves as an Associate Professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, University of Washington Bothell. He teaches core courses including Brain and Behavior, Behavioral Endocrinology, Animal Behavior, and Investigative Biology, with a focus on inclusive pedagogy for UW Bothell's diverse student population spanning first-generation learners, adult returners, and international backgrounds.

His educational credentials include:

• B.A. in Criminal Justice and B.A. in Telecommunications from Indiana University, Bloomington
• B.S. in Biological Sciences from University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior from University of Washington, Seattle

Dr. Wacker's research centers on free-living vertebrate behavior, specifically investigating hormonal-brain-behavior interactions in avian systems. His primary projects examine crow communication dynamics within massive nocturnal roosts (10,000-15,000 individuals) at North Creek Wetlands Restoration, and seasonal territorial behavior in song sparrows including endocrine modulation through androgen and glucocorticoid analysis. He emphasizes hands-on scientific training through undergraduate field research using audio/video recording and banding techniques, preparing students for health professions while advancing fundamental behavioral ecology.

He actively mentors undergraduate research assistants in field data collection and analysis using audio software, with future plans to implement crow models and telemetry. His lab operates within the North Creek Wetlands ecosystem, focusing on vocal/non-vocal communication integration in social aggregations and environmental influences on avian aggression.