Intellectual Merit:

In my second year as a Graduate Research Fellow, I have continued my coursework and research projects studying the effects of vehicle light and noise pollution on avian reproduction and parental care behavior. There are few studies examining the combined effects of vehicle light and noise on bird behavior.  I am currently piloting methods to study the effects of vehicle headlights and noise on parental care and reproductive success in nesting white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus) using radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, nest cameras, and adjustable lights and speakers to simulate vehicles passing by the nest. In contrast to previous studies, I am manipulating the presence of light and noise at each nest. I have designed and built a prototype that can simulate vehicle headlights and noise at levels representing various traffic levels.

I have received three grants to fund this white-eyed vireo project. First, I was awarded a grant in the amount of $4,470 from the Texas Ecological Laboratory Program and access to six private properties where I can conduct field research. Second, I received the Avian Research Mini-Grant in the amount of $2,500 from the Texas A&M University Schubot Center for Avian Health. Finally, I was awarded a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from the Animal Behavior Society in the amount of $2,000.

Broader Impacts:

In my second year as a Fellow, I partnered with the Rio Brazos Audubon Society to improve disability access in bird watching and other outdoor activities. I created two events with the aim to increase participation and accessibility for two large-scale annual community science projects through the Cornell Lab: the Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count. In total, at least 35 people have participated in these accessible or partly accessible events.

I have also participated in five outreach programs directed at encouraging K-12 students to participate in scientific endeavors and pursue science as a career. First, I co-led a workshop with other members of the Yorzinski Lab at Expanding Your Horizons, a conference focused on developing 5^th and 6^th grade girls’ interest in math and science. Over 50 students participated in activities relating to the lab’s research. Second, I judged Botany and Zoology projects at the Texas Junior Academy of Science. I interacted with ten 9^th-12^th grade students who conducted original research, encouraging them to pursue science during and after their secondary education. Third, I participated in Texas A&M University’s Project VICTORY (Virtually-Infused Collaborations for Teaching and Learning Opportunities for Rural Youth). I provided an opportunity for 4^th grade students in two rural classrooms to meet a scientist virtually. I discussed earth science and connected in-class material to real world scientific work. Fourth, I was a junior division judge for Cellular and Molecular Biology. During the event, I interviewed ten middle school students about their original research and encouraged them to pursue their interest in science further. Finally, I participated in an annual bioblitz, an event where the community is invited to identify as many organisms as possible within one day, where at least 80 community members participated.