Michael Gannon

Michael Gannon is a Professor in the Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences at Penn State Altoona, part of Penn State University. His research spans zoology, evolution, and museum science, with a strong focus on bat ecology in both temperate and tropical ecosystems.

Research Interests: His work emphasizes population and community ecology of bats, habitat selection, echolocation, ectoparasite interactions, and the effects of environmental disturbances such as hurricanes. He has conducted extensive field studies in Puerto Rico, particularly in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, and has contributed to broader topics in island biogeography and conservation biology.

Publication Trends: His publications from 1993 to 2014 reveal a consistent focus on Chiroptera, with interdisciplinary methods combining ecology, morphology, acoustics, and statistical modeling. Key themes include the impact of natural disasters on wildlife, host-parasite dynamics, and species distribution patterns.

Scientific Contributions:

• Co-authored influential guidelines for the ethical use of wild mammals in research (Journal of Mammalogy, 2007).
• Conducted pioneering studies on bat responses to Hurricane Hugo in Puerto Rico.
• Published on diverse taxa including bats, land snails, marsupials, and phasmids, indicating broad ecological expertise.

Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed in the provided text, his long-standing collaborative research, especially with Michael R. Willig, suggests mentorship and project leadership roles. His work likely involved external funding, particularly for fieldwork in Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania.

Labs and Teams: Though no specific lab or research team is named, his repeated collaborations and field-based projects indicate participation in ecological research networks focused on tropical and temperate ecosystems.