Jennifer Campbell-Smith
Contact:
Jennifer A. Campbell-Smith Department of Biological SciencesBinghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton, New York 13902-6000
JCampbell-Smith@binghamton.edu
Education:
•PhD (in progress), Biological Sciences (EEB), Binghamton University, expected 2011
Adviser: Anne B. Clark
Certificate: Evolutionary Studies, 2009
•BS, Zoology (with Honors), Colorado State University, 2006
Adviser: Dhruba Naug
Thesis: “The temperature preference of honeybees (Apis mellifera) infected with Nosema apis and its implications on transmission within the hive.”
About:
I am a doctoral student in the Crow Behavior Research Group within the Department of Biological Sciences at Binghamton University. I’m currently studying the social interactions and transmission of learned behavior in a wild population of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). While interested in birds, I consider myself a naturalist with a particular emphasis in Kingdom Animalia. During my time as an undergraduate at CSU I was involved with field and lab research, as well as volunteer work that included mountain lions (Puma concolor), honey bees (Apis mellifera), horned lizards (Phrynosoma hernandesi), sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). My insatiable curiosity is what drove me to science and my love for nature is what keeps me motivated. My interests outside of behavioral research include illustration, photography, horseback riding, dog agility, and exploring.
Research Interests:
Behavioral Ecology
I’m interested in the unique ways in which animals relate and adapt to their environment and other organisms, using flexible behavior. My current research focuses on the social transmission of learned, innovative behavior within a population of cooperative breeders (American crows). While I’m currently investigating the possible routes of transmission, I plan to continue looking at the adaptive advantages of socially transmitted information as I continue my academic career. This research has potential applications for understanding how species can rapidly adapt to human activity, especially in suburban and urban environments.
Publications:
Campbell J., Kessler B., Mayack C., Naug D. Behavioral fever in infected honeybees: Parasitic manipulation or coincidental benefits? Parasitology 137, 1487-1491.
Teaching Experience:
•Herpetology, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Spring 2006
Dr. Michael Douglas, Professor and Mark Davis, Graduate TA
•Introduction to Organisms and Populations, Teaching Assistant, Fall 2007
Dr. John Titus and Dr. Anne B. Clark, Professors
•Botany, Teaching Assistant, Spring 2008
Dr. William Stein, Professor
•Macroevolution, Teaching Assistant, Fall 2008
Dr. William Stein, Professor
•Guest Lecturer, Biology 452: Cultural Evolutionary Theory, February 2009
Topic: Culture in Animals
•Guest Lecturer, Biology 375: Animal Behavior, October 2009
Topic: Culture in Animals
•Botany, Teaching Assistant, Fall 2010
Dr. William Stein, Professor
•Zoology, Teaching Assistant, Spring 2011
Dr. Julian Shepherd, Professor
•Guest Lecturer, Biology 452: Cultural Evolutionary Theory, February 2011
Topic: Culture in Animals
Talks & Posters:
•Poster: “Information Transmission in American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).”
2009 American Ornithologists’ Union Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
•Talk: “Variation in Exploratory Behavior Within Family Groups of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).”
2010 Animal Behavior Society Conference, Williamsburg, VA
Organizations:
•Evolutionary Studies Program, Binghamton University
Funding Awards
•EvoS Pilot Grant, 2009
•Szymanski Travel Award, 2010
•EvoS Small Grant, 2010
