Lauren Whitenack 

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Nevada, Reno in Vladimir Pravosudov's Lab where I study mountain chickadee breeding ecology.

My research focuses on understanding the relationships between climate, arthropod abundance, and bird reproduction in a high elevation montane ecosystem. 

My labmates and I collect detailed data on chickadees that breed in nest boxes. In addition, I conduct intensive arthropod sampling throughout the reproductive season to understand the relationships between food availability and breeding timing and success. I also use fecal metabarcoding to understand nestling diet, validate arthropod sampling methods, and compare diet between developmental stages and across an elevation gradient. 

For more details, please visit my Research page.