Conservation Physiology and Wildlife Ecotoxicology

Explore The New Aviary Facility

Our new avian is a unique facility with 16 replicated aviary rooms. We can conduct experiments and replicate them in statistically robust designs. Each room can house a small flock of songbirds, such as finches, sparrows, and starlings, or can house family groups of species like wood ducks so we can observe pairs raising their young. Other features include partial roofing of each room with an outer, mesh-enclosed area so the birds can experience daylight cycles and natural temperature changes, but remain sheltered from extreme weather.

Undergraduate Training

The FLeDGE program facilitates reciprocal learning by pairing a graduate student or post doc (the mentor) with an undergraduate researcher conducting a senior thesis project in the Hopkins laboratory. The program requires a minimum 18-month commitment by both the undergraduate and mentor.

The goal of this comprehensive program is to prepare undergraduates for their upcoming transition to graduate school, while simultaneously preparing graduate students and postdocs for their eventual transition into a faculty position.

Hellbender Research

The Hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, is one of North America’s most unique amphibians. It is a giant, totally aquatic salamander that, along with only two other extant species, comprises the amphibian family Cryptobranchidae. Hellbenders inhabit cool, swiftly-flowing streams in the foothills and mountains of the Appalachian and Ozark mountains. Adults and large juveniles feed almost exclusively on crayfish, although they will eat many other prey as well.

Learn more in this VT video featuring Cathy Jackowski.

Research in the Hopkins Lab

Our research program has two broad focal areas, one centered in basic science and the other dealing with more applied ecological problems. The first focal area deals with parental effects on offspring fitness. In recent years we have specifically focused on incubation behavior in birds, using wood ducks and tree swallows as precocial and altricial avian models, respectively.

Our second area of focus is how anthropogenic disturbances, particularly pollution, alter the ability of birds and herpetofauna to interact appropriately with their environment. Specific emphasis is placed on how pollutants influence maternal health and the fitness consequences of maternal transfer of teratogenic compounds.

Undergrad Research

Our FLeDGE program facilitates reciprocal learning by pairing a graduate student or post doc with an undergraduate researcher conducting a senior thesis project.

Current Projects

Research in the Hopkins Lab has two broad focal areas, one centered in basic science and the other dealing with more applied ecological problems.

Global Change

Directed by Dr. Bill Hopkins, the Global Change Center advances scholarship and education to address global changes impacting the environment and society.