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Claire M. Curry PhD
Candidate Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology program
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My research interests include
evolutionary ecology, behavioral ecology, ornithology, and phylogeography. I am
also interested in learning about and sharing the natural history of birds and
insects with the public. My current research focuses on the genetic and
behavioral dynamics of an avian hybrid zone, using the Tufted and Black-crested
Titmouse species complex of Oklahoma and Texas as a model system. Hybrid zones
such as this one, where two closely related species' ranges overlap, provide
insight into gene flow and speciation.
The aforementioned fields are
important for both our basic understanding of biology and as a basis for
natural resource conservation. By researching these areas and working as a
graduate teaching assistant, I will be preparing for a career as an active
researcher and educator. I wish to either teach and conduct research at the
university level (where I can share my enthusiasm for the natural world via
field-based courses) or become a researcher in government or for a private
organization. As a researcher and teacher, I want to encourage people from all
walks of life to think about science and how it is important to their world.
Contact
information:
Department of Zoology
University of Oklahoma
730 Van Vleet Oval
Room 314
Norman, OK 73019
This
page last updated 21 August 2010.