Research Support

I couple non-invasive sampling with genetic methods to study fish and wildlife populations.

Effects of habitat reduction on the reproductive ecology and colony dynamics of Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) breeding on East Sand Island

Dawn’s research interests are in the ecology and conservation of pelagic predators, particularly cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and seabirds. She studies what drives when and where these animals can be found and how their distribution overlaps with human activities, using tools such as distribution modeling and spatial statistics, bioacoustics, and oceanography.

Current research topics:

• Ecology of blue whales in Aotearoa New Zealand (SAPPHIRE project)
• Interdisciplinary biodiversity monitoring in Oregon waters (HALO project)
• Distribution of cetaceans and seabirds in Oregon and Northern California (MOSAIC project)
• Long-term, nearshore distribution of gray whales and harbor porpoises in Oregon and Northern California (EMERALD project)

I am a behavioral ecologist using remote sensing to study marine mammals. I am specifically interested in understanding the relationships between behavior, environment, and individual characteristics including physiology, morphology, sex, age, and health. 

Lab Manager of the Fin & Form Lab and Manager of the Oregon State Ichthyology (OSIC) and FWCS Wildlife Collections. Research interests center on fish systematics, ecology, and evolution, with additional expertise in museum collections management, biodiversity data, specimen preservation, and the integration of natural history collections into research, education, and outreach.

• 2006-present – Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University
• 2001-2006 – Molecular Ecology research and teaching technician, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
• 1999-2001 – Molecular Genetics research and teaching technician, Department of Biological Sciences, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand.

I am a social scientist who uses ideas from social psychology and behavioral science to study and (hopefully) improve conservation program success for people and the planet. My dissertation focused on why people trust and distrust each other and the emotions people felt in the context of Oregon's marine reserve system. For updated information and research products, visit my website https://brianderickson.weebly.com/

Using non-invasive methods such as camera trapping and DNA metabarcoding to study carnivore ecology

I use satellite tags and data loggers to study the movement and behavioral ecology of large whales. I'm particularly interested in their feeding ecology, how it varies across different temporal and spatial scales and what it can tell us about the underlying distribution of prey in the areas used.

I help scientists breed healthy and productive oysters with resistance to disease and ocean acidification.

Coastal marine ecosystems; movement ecology; seabird-fisheries interactions; seabird population ecology and restoration; small boat operation, safety, and instruction

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Studying interactions between mammalian carnivores and their shared prey at Starkey Experimental Forest in NE Oregon.

I am a conservation social scientist with a focus on pro-environmental behaviour change. I work closely with governments and NGOs to enact change through my research.