Undergraduate Thesis Student (2026-present)
I am a senior honours undergraduate student studying Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Guelph. For my undergraduate thesis, I am studying the migration patterns of Savannah sparrows breeding on Kent Island, New Brunswick. My research examines whether the geographic regions where these birds grow their feathers have shifted over time and whether these changes may be related to climate change.
To investigate this, I use stable hydrogen isotope analysis of feathers, which can provide information about the approximate latitude where a feather was grown. By comparing isotope values across years, I hope to better understand whether the geographic patterns associated with feather growth are changing over time and how these patterns may relate to changing environmental conditions.
Through my thesis, I hope to strengthen my research skills and deepen my understanding of bird migration and the environmental factors that influence it. When I’m not working on my thesis, you can usually find me at the gym, exploring a hiking trail, or finding an excuse to spend time with animals.