Emily  Davenport M.S. Student (Dr. Mark Clark) Office: Stevens 233 Phone: (701) 231-6561 Emily.Davenport@ndsu.edu B.S. North Dakota State University (2005) Zoology

Research Interests:

I am interested in the influence of genetics and the environment on early development. I am also interested in how these factors lead to later variation in life history traits.

In colony nesting birds, such as gulls, early development of the immune function is especially important. Immunocompetence of the chick is determined by both the response of the chick to its environment and by the antibodies and carotenoids deposited by the female during yolk formation (part of the embryonic environment). My project focuses on the effects of spatial nesting patterns on physiology and survival of chicks. Data from the 2006 field season suggest that there is an effect of local nest density on nest survival; nests in high density areas experienced significantly lower survival than nests in low density areas.

Other Interests:

I enjoy most outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and traveling. Since the North Dakota winters don't always allow for these activities, I also anjoy reading, knitting and sewing.