Jay Delmedico (A.K.A Rocco, Pat, leroy....) M.S. Student (Dr. Wendy Reed) Office: Stevens 112 Phone: (701) 231-7030 James.Delmedico@ndsu.edu   Undergraduate degree                              NDSU

Research :

My research is looking at the costs of 3 stages of reproduction in female Canada geese. These 3 stages are egg laying, incubation, and chick rearing. Females are trapped toward the end of egg laying and measurements and blood samples are taken.  Females are then put into 1 of 3 treatment groups and their nest is failed at the end of that stage, or not at all if they are put into the chick rearing group.  Females are then recaptured during the summer when they are flightless and the same measurements and blood are taken.  By comparing the two capture events we can look at changes in body condition. We are assessing body condition by heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, anemia, polychromasia, and a body condition index (mass/tarsus).  We are expecting those that were failed at egg laying to have the best body condition, because they have had the most time to recover from egg laying and have not had to endure the stress of the other two stages.  Likewise, we are expecting the chick rears to have the worst body condition because they have endured all stages of reproduction.

Other Interests:

Outside of school I enjoy to hunting, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, play sports, wildlife photography, and pretty much anything thing else that can be done outside. 

Climbing at City of Rocks National Reserve,                   Wind cave in the Targhee National Forest

Idaho