Victoria Ingalls

Victoria Ingalls is a Professor of Biology in the Division of Science at Marist College, within the School of Science. She earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has been a faculty member at Marist since 1985. Her academic journey includes promotion to Associate Professor in 1995 and Full Professor in 2013.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1987)
  • M.S. in Zoology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1983)
  • A.B. in Biopsychology, Vassar College (1978)

Dr. Ingalls specializes in Behavioral Ecology, Sociobiology, and Evolutionary Psychology. Her research examines how evolutionary forces shape animal and human behavior, including predator-prey dynamics (e.g., blue jays and moths), birdsong communication (e.g., American redstart, Cocos Island flycatcher), and the evolutionary underpinnings of gender roles and hero archetypes in literature and popular culture. She integrates biological principles with interdisciplinary themes, especially in courses for non-science majors.

Her publications reflect a unique synthesis of empirical fieldwork and theoretical analysis. Early work focused on avian vocalizations and anti-predator behavior, while more recent articles explore evolutionary narratives in fictional heroes and literature. This interdisciplinary trend highlights a shift from pure ornithology to evolutionary cultural studies, bridging science and humanities.

• Scientific Awards and Honors:
  • Full Professor of Biology (2013)
  • Gregory J. Kilgariff Distinguished Service Award (2009)
  • Edwards Prize, Wilson Journal of Ornithology (2007)
  • Board of Trustees Distinguished Teaching Award (1995)
  • Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund Award (1983)
  • Phi Beta Kappa, Vassar College (1978)

Dr. Ingalls has served as Chair of the Faculty (1996–1998) and has received multiple research grants and fellowships. She has taught core courses such as Animal Behavior, Evolution, and Vertebrate Physiology, as well as innovative interdisciplinary courses like Sex, Evolution & Behavior and Life on Earth. She is a member of several professional societies, including the Animal Behavior Society, Human Behavior and Evolution Society, and Sigma Xi.

She has no known lab or research team explicitly mentioned, but she has collaborated with researchers including Dr. Cynthia Staicer (Dalhousie University), Dr. Thomas Sherry (Tulane University), and Dr. Donald Kroodsma (University of Massachusetts). Her future work appears to continue exploring the intersection of evolutionary biology and cultural narratives.