Ignacio Moore

Ignacio Moore serves as Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, leading research on behavioral endocrinology and physiological ecology of tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians. His work integrates field studies in Ecuador and Madagascar with laboratory analyses to investigate stress-reproduction interactions and social behavior networks.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Zoology from Oregon State University (1999), dissertation: Stress and Reproduction in Male Garter Snakes under Dr. Robert T. Mason
• BS in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona (1994)

Dr. Moore's research focuses on physiological adaptations to environmental challenges, particularly examining hormonal regulation of cooperative behavior in manakins and stress responses in reptiles. His integrative approach combines endocrinology, genomics, and microbiome analysis to understand evolutionary mechanisms. Current projects include NSF-funded studies on manakin social networks through the Manakin Genomics Research Coordination Group and fieldwork on tree swallow ecology at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farm.

Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant themes in stress physiology across taxa, with significant focus on glucocorticoid-behavior relationships in snakes and birds, disease-ecology interactions, and genomic underpinnings of social behavior. His work demonstrates increasing methodological integration of field endocrinology with molecular techniques.

His honors include multiple Virginia Tech awards: Outstanding Teaching Award (2008), Outstanding Service Award (2010), Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2011), and Outstanding Research Award (2012), alongside early-career fellowships from NSF and the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Moore actively mentors PhD students including Ben Vernasco (manakin behavior), Jessica Hernandez (tree swallow ecology), Meredith Semel (lemur conservation), and Sydney Hope. His lab secures competitive funding including NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and Rufford Small Grants, supporting field research in Ecuador and Madagascar.

The Moore Lab operates through international collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution and Universidad San Francisco de Quito, maintaining long-term field sites at Tiputini Biodiversity Station. The team conducts integrative studies combining behavioral observation, physiological sampling, and genomic analysis to address fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology.