Marine Mammals
Spotted and Bottlenose Dolphins in the Bahamas
Although the majority of my work centers on invertebrates (particular marine invertebrates) and genetic tools, my research during my Master's degree was on the foraging ecology and behavior of dolphins. Collaborations initiated during that time have persisted and grown, and I am proud to have continued this branch of research. My work is partnership with J. Daisy Kaplan and Kel Mellilo-Sweeting of the Dolphin Communication Project. In addition to our research, I also partner with the Dolphin Communication Project to teach courses on Marine Mammals and Animal Behavior during summer terms in The Bahamas.
Our most recent work was published in 2019 in Animal Behaviour. The study used 7 years of underwater video footage to assess the use of pectoral fin contact as a mechanisms for social bonding between individuals from two different dolphin species: the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Findings suggest that the two species may use tactile behaviors to form and maintain social bonds that help with group formation in response to predation. Upcoming work further explores sexual behavior during interspecies interactions.
Photo by Laura Eierman
Our most recent work was published in 2019 in Animal Behaviour. The study used 7 years of underwater video footage to assess the use of pectoral fin contact as a mechanisms for social bonding between individuals from two different dolphin species: the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Findings suggest that the two species may use tactile behaviors to form and maintain social bonds that help with group formation in response to predation. Upcoming work further explores sexual behavior during interspecies interactions.
Photo by Laura Eierman