معرفی
Joel Ralston is an Associate Professor of Biology at Saint Mary's College, with a focus on Ornithology, Ecology, and Biogeography. He holds a PhD from the University of Albany and a BS from Oswego State University. His research explores how climate change impacts bird populations, species distribution dynamics, and genetic diversity in boreal forest birds. He has conducted fieldwork in North America, including studies on hybridization, migratory behavior, and conservation genetics.
Education:
- PhD in Biology, University of Albany
- BS in Biology, Oswego State University
Research Interests: Dr. Ralston investigates avian responses to environmental changes, particularly focusing on climate-driven range shifts, hybridization between species, and the genetic underpinnings of migratory behaviors. His work integrates genetic analysis, ecological modeling, and acoustic monitoring to address conservation challenges. Recent projects include developing tools for automated bat population censusing and analyzing climate effects on bill morphology in thrashers.
Professional Contributions: He has presented at conferences like the Ecological Society of America and published in journals such as Biological Conservation and Conservation Genetics. His memberships include the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Society for Biogeographers.
Labs/Teams: Collaborates with institutions on boreal bird conservation and acoustic ecology projects, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods to address ecological questions.
