Bret W. Tobalske

MAJOR RESEARCH INTEREST: Biomechanics and Physiology of Bird Flight.

As a comparative biomechanist, I enjoy exploring questions that blend biology with physics. My primary passion for science is for furthering understanding of the biology of bird flight. I use a variety of techniques in the laboratory and in the field to measure wing motion, muscle contractile behavior, and aerodynamics with an overall goal of improving understanding of how flight shapes the ecology and evolution of birds and other flying animals.

Two key aspects of my research philosophy are that it is important to study biology both in the lab and in the field and, secondly, to maintain all questions within a comparative, phylogenetic context. We enjoy ample space and equipment for lab research, including a variety of high-speed cameras, banks of physiology-recording equipment, two variable-speed wind tunnels, and a laser-based system for digital particle image velocimetry of airflow. The phenomenal opportunities for field research in Montana and the outstanding aviary resources at the field station both make it easy to measure what animals are doing in the “real world” away from the artificial environment imposed within a laboratory.

As I have broad interests in form and function of organisms, it is important to note that I am open to collaborating on projects, serving as an advisor to graduate students, with inquiry into other aspects of animals and plants aside from flight. For example, I am fascinated by the mechanics and ecology of wood excavation in cavity nesting birds. The principles of flow dynamics associated with flight are essentially the same as those for swimming, and this would open possibilities to supervise research involving locomotion in aquatic fish, reptiles and mammals. Presently, I am collaborating with Dr. Art Woods, also of the Division of Biological Sciences, to measure flow characteristics in the boundary layers of leaves.

The Field Research Station at Fort Missoula is eager to host visiting scientists, so please contact me if you are interesting in working here during a sabbatical or other extended stay.

EDUCATION:

University of Montana, Missoula, Organismal Biology and Ecology; PH.D.,1994

Dissertation: Effects of Speed and Body Mass on the Intermittent Flight of Birds.

University of Montana, Missoula, Zoology, M.A., 1991

Thesis: Bird Populations, Logging, and Red-naped Sapsucker Habitat Suitability Based on Reproductive Success.

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

Zoology Highest Honors, Minor in Botany; B.S.,1988

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:

Associate Professor, University of Montana, 2008 - present

Associate Professor, University of Portland, 2004 - 2008.

Assistant Professor, University of Portland, 1999-2004

Post-doctoral Fellow, Harvard University, 1998-1999

Visiting Assistant Professor, Allegheny College, 1997-1998

Post-doctoral Scholar, University of Montana, 1996-1997

Post-doctoral Scholar, Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura, France, 1994-96.

RESEARCH SUPPORT:

National Science Foundation: Aerodynamics of hummingbird flight. 2006-2009

National Science Foundation: Gait selection and power output in bird flight as measured using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). 2003-2004

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Murdock College Research Program For Life Sciences: In vivo Contractile Properties of Wing Muscles in Birds 2002-2004

National Science Foundation, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement: Digital Imaging and Investigations in Biology, 2000-2002

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Murdock College Research Program For Life Sciences: Comparative Biomechanics of Intermittent Flight in Birds. 2000-2002

University of Portland, Arthur Butine Faculty Development Grant: Gait Selection In Bird Flight, 2000.

U.S. Agency For International Development, Fulbright Fellowship: Effects of Forest Management on the Ecology of Woodepeckers in the Haut-Jura, France.

1994-1995.

Sigma Xi, Grant-in-Aid of Research: Intermittent Flight of Birds. 1992.

Five Valleys Audubon Society, Field Biology Research Award: Red-naped Sapsucker Habitat Suitability Based on Reproductive Success. 1990.

AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS AND HONORS:

The Outstanding Scholarship Award, University of Portland, 2003.

Arthur Butine Supplemental Award, 1999 and 2001

D. Dwight Davis Award, Best Student Paper in Vertebrate Morphology, 1995

Most Outstanding Student Poster, Society of American Foresters, 1991

Bertha Morton Scholarship, 1990-1994

Charles L. Foote Achievement Award, 1988

Robert W. Davis Memorial Scholarship, 1987

Mark A. Montaba Memorial Award, 1986

Southern Illinois University Foundation Merit Scholarship, 1984

All College Scholar, 1984

Liberal Arts and Sciences Honor Society and National Dean's List, 1984-1988

National Merit Scholar, 1984

RESEARCH CONSULTING:

Research Consultant, Department of Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2006-2009.

Research Consultant, Flight Laboratory, University of Montana, 2005-present.

Research Consultant, Concord Field Station, Harvard University, 1999-2002; present.

Research Specialist, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Missoula, MT, 1997.

PUBLICATIONS:

Peer-reviewed Research Papers

Tobalske, B.W. and Biewener, A.A. (2008). Contractile properties of the pigeon supracoracoideus during different modes of flight. J. Exp. Biol. 211, 170-179.

Tobalske, B.W. (2007). Biomechanics of bird flight. J. Exp. Biol.210, 3135-3146.

Tobalske, B.W. Warrick, D.R., Clark, C.J. Powers, D.R., Hedrick, T.L. Hyder, G.A., Biewener, A.A. (2007). Three-dimensional kinematics of hummingbird

flight. J. Exp. Biol. 210, 2368-2382.

Warrick, D.R., Tobalske, B.W. Powers, D.R. and Dickinson, M.H. (2007). The aerodynamics of hummingbird flight. Am. Inst. Aero. Astro. 2007-41, 1-5

Tobalske, B.W. and Dial, K.P. (2007). Aerodynamics of wing-assisted incline running in birds. J. Exp. Biol., 210, 1742-1751.

Tobalske, B.W., Puccinelli, L.A. and Sheridan, D.C. (2005). Contractile activity of the pectoralis in the zebra finch according to mode and velocity of flap-

bounding flight. J. Exp. Biol. 208, 2895-2901.

Warrick, D.R., Tobalske, B.W. and Powers, D.R. (2005). Aerodynamics of hovering in hummingbirds. Nature. 435, 1094-1097.

Tobalske, B.W., Altshuler, D. and Powers, D. (2004). Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae). J. Exp. Biol. 207, 1345-1352.

Tobalske, B.W., T.L. Hedrick, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). Wing kinematics of avian flight across speeds. J. Avian Biol. 34, 177-184.

Tobalske, B.W., T.L. Hedrick, K.P. Dial, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). Comparative power curves in bird flight. Nature. 421, 363-366.

Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). How cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) modulate pectoralis power output across flight speeds.

J. Exp. Biol. 206, 1363-1378.

Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2002). Estimates of circulation and gait change based on a three-dimensional kinematic analysis of flight in

cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and ringed turtle-doves (Streptopelia risoria). J. Exp. Biol. 205, 1389-1409.

Tobalske, B.W. (2001). Morphology, velocity, and intermittent flight in birds. Amer. Zool. 41, 177-187.

Warrick, D.R., B.W. Tobalske, A.A. Biewener, and K.P. Dial. (2001). Sonomicrometry and kinematic estimates of the mechanical power of bird flight.

Bull. Mus. Comp.Zool. 156, 257-268.

Tobalske, B.W. (2000). Biomechanics and physiology of gait selection in flying birds. Physiol. Biochem. Zool. 73, 736-750.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (2000). Effects of body size on takeoff flight performance in the Phasianidae (Aves). J. Exp. Biol. 203, 3319-3332.

Tobalske, C., and B.W. Tobalske. (1999). Using atlas data to model the distribution of woodpecker species in the Jura, France. Condor 101, 472-483.

Tobalske, B.W., W. Peacock, and K.P. Dial. (1999). Kinematics of flap-bounding flight in the zebra finch over a wide range of speeds.

J. Exp. Biol. 202, 1725-1739.

Biewener, A. A., W.R. Corning, and B.W. Tobalske. (1998). In vivo pectoralis muscle force-length behavior during level flight in pigeons (Columba livia).

J. Exp. Biol. 201, 3293-3307.

Tobalske, B.W., N.E. Olson, and K.P. Dial. (1997). Flight of the black-billed magpie: variation in wing kinematics, neuromuscular control, and muscle

composition. J. Exp. Zool. 279, 313-329.

Tobalske, B.W. (1997). Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis). In The Birds of North America, No. 284 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of

Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C.

Dial, K.P., A.A. Biewener, B.W. Tobalske, and D.R. Warrick. (1997). Mechanical power output of bird flight. Nature 390, 67-70.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1996). Flight kinematics of the Black-billed Magpie and Rock Dove over a wide range of speeds. J. Exp. Biol. 199, 263-280.

Tobalske, B.W. (1996). Scaling of muscle composition, wing morphology, and intermittent flight behavior in woodpeckers. Auk 113, 151-177.

Tobalske, B.W. (1995). Neuromuscular control and kinematics of intermittent flight in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). J. Exp. Biol. 198, 1259-1273.

Tobalske, C. and B.W. Tobalske. (1995). Avifaune et activites humaines: Une étude de la distribution des pics dans le Jura avec un SIG.

Actes du 35Éme Colloque Interégional d'Ornithologie, Lyon, France. 154-174.

Tobalske, B.W., R.C. Shearer, and R.L. Hutto. (1995). Maintaining bird diversity in Western Larch/Douglas-fir Forests.

In (W.C. Schmidt and K.J. McDonald, eds.). Ecology and management of Larix forests: a look ahead. Proceedings of an international symposium; 1992 October 5-9; Whitefish, MT, U.S.A. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-319. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 521 p.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1994). Neuromuscular control and kinematics of intermittent flight in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

J. Exp. Biol. 187, 1-18.

Tobalske, B.W. (1992). Evaluating habitat suitability using relative abundance and fledging success of red-naped sapsuckers. Condor 94, 550-553.

Tobalske, B.W., R.C. Shearer, and R.L. Hutto. (1991). Bird populations in logged and unlogged western larch/Douglas-fir forest in northwestern Montana.

Res. Pap. INT-442. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 12 p.

Invited Review

Tobalske, B.W. (2006). Flight of Fascination: Avian Flight, J. Exp. Biol. 209, 2005-2006

Published Abstracts

Tobalske, B., Warrick, D., Dickson, W., Altshuler, D. and Dickinson, M. (2007). Hovering aerodynamics in hummingbirds: Comparing a dynamically-scaled robot with live birds . Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A. 146, S115.

Tobalske, B.W. and Biewener, A.A. (2006). Antagonists of the avian wing: mechanics of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus among flight modes in the pigeon.

J. Biomech. 39, S354.

Ranola, J.O., Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R., Powers, D.R. (2006). Circulation in the wake of the flying hummingbird: effects of thresholding and vortex decay.

Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 1181.

Hearn, J.W.D., Tobalske, B.W. and Warrick, D.R. (2005). Contribution of body lift to the aerodynamics of flap-bounding. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 1143.

Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R., and Powers, D.R. (2005). Effect of wing design on wake structure in small flying birds. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 1084.

Tobalske, B., Warrick, D. and Powers, D. (2005). Wake dynamics of hummingbirds flying over a wide range of speeds. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 141, S138.

Tobalske, B. (2005). Muscle function and wake dynamics during flap-bounding flight in the zebra finch. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 141, S131.

Dial, K.P. and Tobalske, B.W. (2005). WAIR Flow: Ontogeny of wing aerodynamics during incline running in birds. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 988.

Warrick, D.R. Tobalske, B.W. and Powers, D.R. (2004). Kinematic symmetry and aerodynamic asymmetry in the hoering flight of hummingbirds.

Int. Comp. Biol., 44, 661.

Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R. and Powers, D.R. (2004). Dynamics of the hummingbird wake during forward flight over a wide range of speeds.

Int. Comp. Biol., 44, 652.

Hyder, G., Tobalske, B., Clark, C., Powers, D., Warrick, D., Hedrick, T., and Biewener, A. (2004). How hummingbirds vary their flight speed: Measurements of

3D wing motion and muscle activity. Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci. 40, 14-15.

Tobalske, B., Clark, C., Powers, D. Hyder, G., Warrick, D. Hedrick, T. and Biewener, A. (2003). 3D kinematics and neuromuscular activity during hummingbird

flightover a range of speeds. Int. Comp. Biol. 43.

Clark, C.J. Tobalske, B. and Powers, D. (2003). Forward flight kinematics of rufus hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) with and without their tails.

Int. Comp. Biol. 43.

Tobalske, B.W. and L.A. Puccinelli. (2002). Effects of flight mode on contractile activity in the pectoralis of zebra finch. Int. Comp. Biol. 42, 1324-1325.

Tobalske, B.W., D.L. Altshuler, and D.L. Powers. (2001). Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae). Amer. Zool. 41, 1608.

Tobalske, B.W. and B.B. Zimmerman. (2001) Effects of flight distance on take-off mechanics in zebra finches. Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci. 37, 18.

Puccinelli, L.. and B.W. Tobalske (2001). In vivo pectoralis muscle contractile activity in zebra finch (Taenopygia guttata) during flight.

Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci. 37,17.

Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, K.P. Dial, and A.A. Biewener. (2001). Power output of cockatiels: a musculo-skeletal and aerodynamic approach.

Amer. Zool. 41, 1469.

Davis, A.P. and B.W. Tobalske (2001). Effect of Distance on Flap-Bounding Flight Performance. Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci 37, 13.

Zimmerman, B.B. and B.W. Tobalske. (2000). Effect of Flight Distance on Take-Off Mechanics in Zebra Finch. Amer. Zool 40, 1272.

Tobalske, B.W., A.A. Biewener, and B.B. Zimmerman. (2000). Scaling of takeoff mechanics in doves (Columbidae). Amer. Zool 40, 1235.

Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2000). 3D Kinematic Analysis of Lift Production Over a Range of Speeds in Ring-necked Doves and

Cockatiels. Amer Zool. 40, 1050.

Davis, A.P. and B.W. Tobalske. (2000). Effect of Distance on Flap-Bounding Flight Performance. Amer. Zool. 40, 991.

Tobalske, B.W. (1999). Morphology, velocity, and intermittent flight in birds. Amer. Zool. 39, 4A.

Biewener, A.A., B.W. Tobalske, R. Hicks, and D. Starks. (1999). In vivo mechanics of the pigeon supracoracoideus and pectoralis during flight.

Amer. Zool. 39, 116A-117A.

Tobalske, B.W. 1999. Physiology and biomechanics of gait selection in flying birds.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 124A, S10.

Dial, K.P., D.R. Warrick, B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (1998). Power output of magpies: estimates of humeral excursion via pectoral sonomicrometry

and wing kinematics.Amer. Zool. 38, 152A.

Bosdyk, A.K., and B.W. Tobalske (1998). Muscle composition and flight performance in pigeons and doves (Columbiformes). Amer. Zool. 38, 126A.

Tobalske, B.W., W. Peacock, and K.P. Dial. (1997). Intermittent flight of the zebra finch over a wide range of speeds. Amer. Zool. 37, 76A.

Dial, K.P., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (1997). Experimental studies in avian flight: The importance of studying a range of behaviours.

J. Morph. 232, 247.

Dial, K.P. and B.W. Tobalske. (1997). Scaling of muscle strain in galliform birds. Amer. Zool. 37, 29A.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1996). Scaling of escape-flight performance in galliform birds. Amer. Zool. 36, 113A.

Dial, K.P., A.A. Biewener, and B.W. Tobalske. (1995). Mechanical power output of birds in flight. Amer. Zool. 35, 148A.

Tobalske, B.W. (1994) The scaling of intermittent flight behavior and wing morphology in woodpeckers. Amer. Zool. 34, 57A.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1993). Flight kinematics of black-billed magpies and pigeons over a wide range of speeds. Amer. Zool. 33, 134A.

Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1992). Neuromuscular control of intermittent flight in parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus). Amer. Zool. 32, 153A.

Tobalske, B.W., R.L. Hutto, and R.C. Shearer. (1990). The effects of timber harvesting on the reproductive success of red-naped sapsuckers

(Sphyrapicus nuchalis): Planned research. Northwest Env. J. 6,398-399.

Papers in the Popular Press, Art Exhibits

D’Agostino, F. and Tobalske, B. (2007). Flight studies. Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Portland.

Tobalske, B.W. (2001). Stop time. Portland Magazine, 20, 11.

Tobalske, B.W. (2000). Doves in flight. The Doveline: American Dove Association Newsletter, 05-06/00, 4-5.

PRESENTATIONS:

Invited Speaker

2007:

Aspects Biomécaniques du Vol Chez les Petits Oiseaux.

L’Université Ouverte St. Claude, France

Wingprints in the Air: New Insight into the Aerodynamics of Bird Flight.

Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon.

2006:

Antagonists of the avian wing: mechanics of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus among flight modes in the pigeon.

World Congress of Biomechanics, Munich, Germany

2005:

Muscle function and wake dynamics during flap-bounding flight in the zebra finch.

Society for Experimental Biology, Barcelona, Spain.

Comparative aerodynamics of bird flight.

Regional Conference on Undergraduate Research, Murdock College Science Research Program, Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho.

2004:

On being a small bird and flying over a range of speeds.

Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

2003:

Effects of shape, speed, and size on gait selection during bird flight.

Department of Biology, Portland State University

On size and bird flight.

Department of Physics, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR

Flight performance in small birds.

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

2001:

Leaps and bounds and intermittent flight in birds.

Department of Biology, George Fox University, Newburg, OR.

Department of Biology, University of Portland.

2000:

Morphology, velocity, and intermittent flight in birds.

Symposium on Intermittent Locomotion, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Atlanta.

From Zero to 50 in seconds, flat: Gait selection in bird flight.

Oregon State University,

1999:

Gait selection in flying birds.

Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago.

Physiology and biomechanics of gait selection in flying birds.

Department of Biology, Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA.

International Union of Biological Sciences, 5th International Congress of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Calgary, Canada.

1997:

Woodpecker flight.

Last Chance Audubon Society, February 18, 1997, Helena, MT.

1995:

Le vol intermittent chez les oiseaux.

CNRS - Centre d'Ecologie et Physiologie Energétiques, Strasbourg, France.

Le vol des pics.

Groupe Ornithologique du Jura, Lons-le-Saunier, France.

1993:

An inside look at how birds fly.

American Association for the Advancement of Science, Western Region, Missoula, MT.

Scientific Meetings (lead or co-author)

2008:

The near-field flow generated by hummingbird wings.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, San Antonio

Hovering aerodynamics in hummingbirds: comparing a dynamically-scaled robot with live birds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, San Antonio

The effect of some physiological, morphological, and environmental variables on hovering metabolic rate in hummingbirds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, San Antonio.

2007:

Hovering aerodynamics in hummingbirds: comparing a dynamically-scaled robot with live birds.

Society for Experimental Biology, Glasgow, Scotland

The effect of some physiological, morphological, and environmental variables on hovering metabolic rate in hummingbirds.

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program, Salem, Oregon.

The flight of the Rufous Hummingbird.

Divison of Fluid Dynamics, American Physical Society, Salt Lake City, Utah.

2006:

Effect of wing design on wake structure in small flying birds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Orlando

WAIR Flow: ontogeny of wing aerodynamics during incline running in birds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Orlando

Contribution of body lift to the aerodynamics of flap-bounding.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Orlando

Circulation in the wake of the flying hummingbird: effects of thresholding and vortex decay.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Orlando

Contractile properties of the pigeon supracoracoideus during different modes of flight.

World Congress of Biomechanics, Munich, Germany

Wake Dynamics and Energetics of Hummingbirds Flying Over a Wide Range of Speeds

North American Ornithological Conference, Veracruz, Mexico

2005:

Dynamics of the hummingbird wake during forward flight over a wide range of speeds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, San Diego.

Kinematic symmetry and aerodynamic asymmetry in the hoering flight of hummingbirds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 5-9, San Diego.

Wake dynamics of hummingbirds flying over a wide range of speeds.

Society for Experimental Biology, Barcelona, Spain.

2004:

Forward flight kinematics of rufus hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) with and without their tails.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, New Orleans.

3D kinematics and neuromuscular activity during hummingbird flight over a range of speeds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, New Orleans.

How hummingbirds vary their flight speed: measurements of 3D wing motion and muscle activity.

Oregon Academy of Sciences, Portland.

2003:

Effects of flight mode on contractile activity of the pectoralis in zebra finch.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Toronto

Effects of flight speed on wing kinematics and muscle activity in hummingbirds.

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program. Tacoma.

2002:

Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae).

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Anaheim.

Power output of cockatiels: a musculo-skeletal and aerodynamic approach.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Anaheim.

Modulation of power output in cockatiels (Nymphicuc hollandicus).

American Physiological Society, San Diego

Scaling effects on avian take-off performance

OHSU, Northwest Undergraduate Science Research Conference, Portland

The use of the scapulohumoralis caudalus muscle in rock doves during ascending, descending, and level flight.

OHSU, Northwest Undergraduate Science Research Conference, Portland

A new wind tunnel for bird flight research

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program.Walla Walla

Mechanical power output during intermittent flight in birds

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program.Walla Walla

2001:

Scaling of takeoff mechanics in doves (Columbidae).

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Chicago

3D Kinematic Analysis of Lift Production Over a Range of Speeds in Ring-necked Doves and Cockatiels

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Chicago

Effect of Flight Distance on Take-Off Mechanics in Zebra Finches

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Chicago

Oregon Academy of Science, Portland

Effect of Distance on Flap-Bounding Flight Performance.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Chicago

Oregon Academy of Science, Portland

In vivo pectoralis muscle contractile activity in zebra finch (Taenopygia guttata)

Oregon Academy of Science, Portland

Scaling effects on avian take-off performance

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program. Spokane

2000:

In vivo mechanics of the pigeon supracoracoideus and pectoralis during flight.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Atlanta

Mechanics of takeoff in doves (Columbidae).

OHSU, Northwest Undergraduate Science Research Conference, Portland.

Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program. Tacoma

3D Kinematics of Bird Flight

10th New England Regional Meeting of the Division of Vertebrate Morphology, Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Amherst

1999:

Functional variation of the pigeon supracoracoideus during different modes of flight.

Society for Experimental Biology, Edinburgh, Scotland

Muscle composition and maximum power for flight in doves and pigeons (Columbiformes)

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Denver.

Power output of magpies: estimates of humeral excursion via pectoral sonomicrometry and wing kinematics.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Denver.

1998:

The unexplored realm of body lift in birds.

Division of Vertebrate Morphology, NE Region, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Cambridge.

Intermittent flight of the zebra finch over a wide range of speeds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston.

Scaling of muscle strain in galliform birds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston.

1997:

Experimental studies in avian flight: The importance of studying a range of behaviors.

5th International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, Bristol, England.

1996:

Scaling of escape-flight performance in galliform birds.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Albuquerque.

Muscle shortening and mechanical work during flight in pigeons measured via sonomicrometry.

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Albuquerque.

Mechanical power output in birds during flight: Implications for optimal migration- and foraging- flight speeds.

American Ornithologists’ Union, Boise.

Modeling the distribution of woodpeckers in the Jura, France, using atlas data.

American Ornithologists’ Union, Boise.

1995:

Avifaune et activités humaines: une étude de la distribution des pics dans le Jura avec un SIG.

35ème Colloque Interrégional d’Ornithologie, Lyon, France.

The effects of speed and body size on the intermittent flight of birds.

Society for Experimental Biology, St. Andrews, Scotland.

Mechanical power output based on in vivo recordings for magpies and pigeons during flight.

Society for Experimental Biology, St. Andrews, Scotland.

The scaling of intermittent flight behavior and wing morphology in woodpeckers.

American Society of Zoologists, St. Louis.

1994:

Le vol intermittent des oiseaux.

Research Seminar, l’Ecole Normale Supèrieure, Paris, France.

The effects of speed and body mass on the intermittent flight of birds.

Ornithological Societies of North America, Missoula.

1993:

Flight kinematics of black-billed magpies and pigeons over a wide range of speeds.

American Society of Zoologists, Los Angeles.

1992:

Neuromuscular control of intermittent flight in budgerigars.

American Society of Zoologists, Vancouver, Canada.

Cornell School of Veterinary Sciences, Ithaca.

Cooper Ornithological Society, Seattle.

Montana Academy of Sciences, Bozeman.

Maintaining bird diversity in western larch/Douglas-fir forests.

International Larix Symposium,Whitefish.

Bird populations in logged and unlogged stands of western larch/Douglas-fir forest in northwest Montana.

Society of American Foresters (Montana Chapter), Kalispell.

1991:

Bird populations in logged and unlogged stands of western larch/Douglas-fir forest in northwest Montana.

Society of American Foresters (National), San Francisco.

Evaluating habitat suitability through measures of reproductive success and feeding behavior in red-naped sapsuckers.

Cooper, Wilson Ornithological Societies (Joint meeting)

Bird populations, logging, and a critical measure of habitat quality.

Five Valleys Audubon Society, Missoula.

Montana NonGame Wildlife Symposium, Bozeman, MT.

1990:

Evaluating habitat suitability for bird species in western larch and Douglas-fir forests.

Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, Inland Region Meeting, Missoula.

The effect of timber harvesting on bird populations in a western larch and Douglas-fir forest.

Coram Experimental Forest Seminar, Hungry Horse.

Forestry Sciences Laboratory Seminar, Missoula.

Montana NonGame Wildlife Symposium, Lewiston.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND POSITIONS HELD:

American Ornithologists’ Union

Cooper Ornithological Society

Groupe Ornithologique du Jura

Oregon Academy of Science

Sigma Xi

Society for Experimental Biology

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, (2002-2004) Program Officer, Division of Vertebrate Morphology.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE:

2007-2008: Academic Senate

2007-2008: Chair, Biology Faculty Search Committee

2005-Present: Teaching and Scholarship Committee

2002-Present: Institutional Review Board

2002-2003: Biology Faculty Search Committee

2001-2002: Chemistry and Physics Faculty Search Committee

2001-Present: Goldwater Scholarship Committee

1999-Present: Institutional Animal Care And Use Committee, Chair 2002-Present

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Professional Service

2007:

Interviewee:

Science Museum, London, Science Museum Antenna Sciences News, “Swifts’ Secret to Flying High,” Dominique Driver, April 26, 2007.
ScienceNOW, Daily News, “Bats Best Birds at Slow Flight”, John Simpson, May 10, 2007.

Reviewer for:

Nature, Journal Experimental Biology, Royal Society of London Interface, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B, Public Library of Science, Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Journal of Theoretical Biology, Journal of Avian Biology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

2006:

Interviewee:

Oregon Public Broadcasting, “Answering the Age-Old Question, “How does a Does a Hummingbird Do That?””, Rob Manning, October 16, 2006

Reviewer for:

Nature, Science, Journal Experimental Biology, Royal Society of London Interface, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B, Wellcome Trust, W.M. Keck Foundation,

2005:

Reviewer for:

Royal Society of London; Journal of Experimental Biology, Nature

Panelist:

Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants, National Science Foundation.

2004:

Reviewer for:

Ardeola; Biology Letters, Royal Society of London; Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal of Zoology, London; National Science Foundation, Wilson Bulletin

2003:

Interviewee:

The Oregonian, Channel 12 News (Fox Network), The Beacon.

Reviewer for:

Journal of Experimental Biology, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B., Journal of Avian Biology

Program Officer:

Division of Vertebrate Morphology, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology

2002:

Reviewer for:

Journal of Experimental Biology, Wilson Bulletin

Program Officer:

Division of Vertebrate Morphology, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology

2001:

Reviewer for:

Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology,
Black Hills National Forest Woodpecker Conservation Assessment
LEWO, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Biodiversity Database

2000:

Interviewee:

Portland Magazine.
Wild Moves, BBC 2 and Open University

Reviewer for:

Journal of Experimental Biology, The Condor.

1999:

Reviewer for:

Journal of Experimental Biology, The Condor

1998:

Reviewer for:

Acta Anatomica, The Auk, The Condor.
Lewis's Woodpecker ranking record, COVERS program, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University.

1997:

Interviewee:

Size and Scale, Discover Magazine, Discovery Channel.

Reviewer for:

The Auk, Journal of Avian Biology.

1996:

Reviewer for The Auk

1995:

Reviewer for The Auk

Field Presentation, Nuit de la Chouette, St. Claude, France

1994:

Symposium Co-Sponsor, Recent Advances in Avian Flight; Member of Local Planning Committee

Joint Meeting of the Ornithological Societies of North America, Missoula.

1992:

University of Montana Planning Scholarship Committee.

Field Presentation, Management of Western Larch Forests for Cavity-Nesting Birds, International Larix Symposium, Coram Experimental Forest.

Committee Member, Doctoral Dissertations

2007-Present: Angela Berg, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University

2003-2005: Mathew Bundle, Organismal Biology and Ecology, University of Montana

2002-2004: Tyson Hedrick, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University