Dustin Reichard

Dustin Reichard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU). He holds a B.A. from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a Ph.D. from Indiana University, followed by a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on the evolution of animal behavior in birds, exploring both proximate (hormonal mechanisms) and ultimate (adaptive benefits) explanations. Key areas include avian communication, parental defense strategies, and behavioral endocrinology.

Education:

• B.A., Biological Sciences, St. Mary's College of Maryland
• Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Indiana University
• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Davis

Research Interests: Dr. Reichard investigates how birds use vocalizations to convey social information, hormonal influences on behavior during interactions, and nest defense mechanisms against predators. Recently, his lab has leveraged large datasets to study long-term behavioral trends. Fieldwork primarily involves free-living songbirds like Dark-eyed Juncos and Carolina Wrens.

Awards:

• National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010–2012)

Advising & Labs: He advises undergraduate researchers through OWU's Biological Sciences department, mentoring students on projects ranging from nest predator dynamics to avian endocrinology. His lab emphasizes field-based studies and collaborative data analysis.

Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles highlight his work on topics like nest defense strategies, hormonal regulation of behavior, and urban avian adaptations. Recent studies use camera traps and citizen science to address ecological questions.