Master’s Student

msieges@udel.edu/(302)831-3741/531 S. College Ave. /Rm. 203/Newark, DE 19716

Education

B.S. Biology, Northland College, 2004

Research Interests

My project involves quantifying habitat use by migrating shorebirds and wintering waterfowl along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. I intend to use weather surveillance radar (NEXRAD) in conjunction with ArcGIS to map bird distributions associated with habitat created through the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative. Radar is particularly useful for monitoring bird movements in this case because the broad scale of the study (e.g. multiple states) precludes using technicians to survey birds at every site.  In general, I am interested in wildlife habitat conservation with a focus on migratory birds.

Personal Interests

I am a Montana native, but felt the need to fly the coop after high school. I landed at Northland College and earned my bachelor’s degree in biology (along with an incredibly useful history minor).  After a series of technician jobs working for various institutions across the northern United States, I found that I was particularly interested in shorebirds although I have a healthy love for everything with feathers. In my spare time, I enjoy birdwatching, hunting, cooking, and moonlit walks on the beach.