Achievement

M-EID co-PI Creagh Bruener and Steering Committee member Vanessa Ezenwa are conducting research supported by NSF CAREER awards, each received in 2008. Ezenwa is studying the influence of parasites on reproductive behavior of male Grant’s gazelles (she has found that males defending high-quality territories have higher parasite loads than females or lesser males), and whether reproductive behavior modifies male exposure and susceptibility to parasites. Ezenwa advises trainees Stephan Ekernas and Sarah Budischak, and co-advises Carin Williams. Breuner’s research investigates the role of corticosteroid binding globulin in the vertebrate stress response. Breuner has experimentally manipulated corticosterone levels in wild white-crowned sparrows. Presence of the hormone encourages birds to leave breeding grounds during adverse weather conditions, and birds with lower fat reserves seem to generate more corticosterone than birds in better condition. Breuner advises trainee Carin Williams.