Current Research
My first year research project is investigating social learning in nest building. Social learning is learning that is influenced by the observation of or interaction with another individual or their products. This learning is very in many animals including humans, and often is a less costly form of learning. Nest building is a behaviour that had long been thought to be genetically predisposed however there is a growing body of literature which now indicates that this process is indeed learned.
Previous Research
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In winter 2017 through spring 2018, I assisted Dr. Shannon Digweed on a project investigating the cognitive abilities of red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) by using spatial memory tasks. In this project we examined the longevity of the spatial caching memory of squirrels.
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Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
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Infrasound and Fear In Humans
Under the supervision of Dr. Rodney Schmaltz and Dr. Nicole Anderson, I investigated the impact of infrasound on both self-reported levels of fear and changes in physiological arousal. We conducted two experiments; one in fall 2016 and one in fall 2017. In experiment one (2016), participants were fitted with a GoPro Camera and exposed to infrasound prior to exploring Deadmonton (a commercial haunted house). Participants also completed measures on personality and belief in the paranormal. We found that infrasound exposure lead to participants going through the haunted house faster. Experiment two (2017) was a modification of experiment one where participants were tasked to explore Deadmonton for 15 minutes and instead of infrasound exposure prior to exploration, infrasound speakers were placed in set locations and each participant was randomly assigned to either infrasound being on off. We are currently analyzing the results and preparing a manuscript for submission. |
Pictured (L-R) Dr. Rodney Schmaltz; myself; Dr. Nicole Anderson
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Infrasound Exposure in Zebrafish
As part of a collaboration between Dr. Trevor Hamilton's Zebra fish lab, myself, and Dr. Rodney Schmaltz. I assisted in the setup of an experiment in which zebra fish (Danio rerio) were exposed to infrasound in order to determine if anxiety increased due to exposure. |
Zebra Fish (Danio rerio)
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