Heather D. Davis

Division of Biological Sciences

University of Montana

Missoula, MT, 59812

(406) 243-6834

FAX: (406) 243-4184

Education

M.S.  2005 (Organismal Biology and Ecology) University of Montana, Missoula, MT.

B.A. magna cum laude 1997 (Anthropology) University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

Academic Positions

2005-present    Lab Manager, Fort Missoula Research Station

2005-present    University of Montana, Adjunct Instructor, Division of Biological Sciences

2005                  University of Montana, Lab Instructor: Human Anatomy and Physiology

2002-2004        University of Montana, Graduate Teaching Assistant: Human Anatomy and Physiology

2002                  El Zota Biological Station, Costa Rica, Teaching Assistant: Primate Ecology (Dr. J. D. Pruetz)

2001                  University of Montana, Field Assistant: Red-backed Vole Movement Patterns (D. Ucitel)

2001                  Senegal, Africa, Field Assistant: Chimpanzee census and habituation (Dr. J.D. Pruetz)

1998                  ITEC Field Station, Panama, Teaching Assistant: Primate Ecology Field Course (Dr. M. Sauther)

1997                  La Suerte Biological Station, Costa Rica, TA: Primate Ecology Field Course (Dr. M. Sauther)

1996                  University of Colorado, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Primate Behavior (Dr. M. Sauther)

1996                  University of Colorado, Editing Assistant, Department of Ethnic Studies (Dr. J. James and W. Churchill)

1995-1996        University of Colorado Museum, Geology Section (Dr. P. Robinson)

1995                  University of Colorado, Undergraduate TA: Intro to Physical Anthropology (Dr. H. H. Covert)

Grants / Fellowships

2003                   University of Montana, Graduate Student Association Travel Award ($200)

2001                   University of Montana, IBS-CORE Summer 2001 Research Fellowship ($2100)

1996                   University of Colorado Vertebrate Paleontology Endowment Fund ($300)

1995-1996         Hughes Initiative Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program ($1000)

Published Abstracts

H. D. Davis and K. P. Dial (2004) Bipeds Ascending: Avian Locomotor Performance During Incline Running. Integr. & Comp. Biol. 43(6): 1031.

 J.D. Pruetz, K. Mc Murry, H. D. Davis and V. Gann (1998). Seed dispersal of a pioneer tree species (Castilla elastica) by Mantled Howler monkeys (Alouatta palliatta) in Costa Rica. Amer J Primatol 45:201.

Research Interests

I have always been interested in evolutionary biology and morphology, whether working with non-human primates and fossil ungulates, as I have in the past, or in terms of my current work on the evolution of avian flight.  My thesis research involves examining the kinematics of wing assisted incline running (WAIR) in basal avian taxa (ratites and tinamiformes) and the possible implications of such a plesiomorphic behavior to transitional stages of locomotion during the evolution of bird flight.  I am also fascinated by the relationship between form and function, particularly with regard to avian shoulder morphology and locomotor performance on inclines in the context of WAIR. 

I am involved in actively promoting science education in public schools, particularly in the face of current threats to the integrity of science curricula from organizations with religious agendas. I am a member of the National Center for Science Education.

Other Interests

EMT-B with Missoula Emergency Services Inc., Flying (Private Pilot), fly fishing, travel, hiking with the dogs, music, gardening and fixing up my house!