NRESS PHD PROGRAM DISSERTATION PROPOSAL DEFENSE
PRESENTER: JESS STEKETEE
TITLE: DRIVERS OF ARCTIC SMALL MAMMAL POPULATION
FLUCTUATIONS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Rowe
Contact Jess for Zoom link: mailto:jksteketee@wildcats.unh.edu
More about Jess’ research:
Small mammals (voles and lemmings) are a key component of
Arctic ecosystems. Their cyclic population fluctuations have cascading impacts
on tundra food webs, impacting reproductive success in predators and alternate
prey species alike, and influencing plant biomass and community composition.
However, there remains much debate about the drivers of population cycles as
well as the impacts of warming on these cycles.
My research will combine field studies in Northern Alaska
with laboratory analysis of stress hormones in current and historical
populations to increase our understanding of potential mechanisms driving
Arctic rodent populations.