Current and Past Undergraduate Researchers

My research program on migratory birds provides numerous opportunities for undergraduate research (scroll down to see examples of current and past projects). I have both field and laboratory projects available for students during fall, spring and summer semesters. If you are interested in birds, bird blood, external and internal bird parasites, identification and quantification of invertebrates (bird food!), migration or breeding biology, or data entry, I encourage you to stop by for a chat.

2023

Maitree Patel, in progress. Undergraduate Honor's Thesis. Seasonal variation in avian blood parasites. The University of Scranton.

Matthew Simms. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. Meteorological conditions associated with landbird migratory stopover in Northeastern Pennsylvannia. The University of Scranton.

Capelle, Nicholas D., Hatch, Margaret I., and Robert J. Smith. 2023. Assessing the effect of climate change on Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) feather coloration: An analysis of avian phenotypic traits. 23^rd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by N. Capelle, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Patel, Maitree V. Royer, Anne, Hatch, Margret I., Nebzydoski, Katie E. and Robert J. Smith. 2023. Seasonal changes and blood parasite intensity in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) across the years. 23^rd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by M. Patel, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Simms, Matthew G., Hatch, Margaret I., Graham, Jason M., Royer, Anne M. and Robert J. Smith. 2023. Meteorological conditions associated with landbird migratory stopover in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 23^rd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by M. Simms, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Wenzel, Grace Piermatteo, Julia L., Matsui, Kento, Hatch, Margaret I. and Robert J. Smith, University of Scranton.  Effect of viburnum beetle invasion on feather growth in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis)​ - An update. 23^rd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by G. Wenzel, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2022

Piermatteo, Julia L., Matsui, Kento., Hatch, Margret I. and Robert J. Smith. 2022. Effect of viburnum beetle invasion on feather growth in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). 22^nd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by J. Piermatteo and K. Matsui, University of Scranton undergraduates.

Nebzydoski, Katie E., Royer, Anne, Hatch, Margret I. and Robert J. Smith. 2022. Parasite load in migrating Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) with respect to age and weather. 22^nd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by K. Nebzydoski, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Kowalewski, Maggie, Hatch, Margret I., and Robert J. Smith. 2022. Seasonal differences in leukocyte counts in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). 22^nd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by M. Kowalewski, University of Scranton undergraduate.

York, Myah A., Hatch, Margret I., and Robert J. Smith. 2022. Relationship between immune state and body condition of fall migrant Gray Catbirds. 22^nd Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, The University of Scranton, April 27. Presentation by M. York, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2021

Zachary Rieker, 2021. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. Anthropogenic noise and breeding birds within Lackawanna State Park. The University of Scranton.

Jessica Fanelli, 2021. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. A study of the impact of habitat on the composition of breeding bird communities in Lackawanna State Park during the summer of 2020. The University of Scranton.

2020

Katherine Peccerillo, 2020. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. An Examination of Haemosporidian Infection and Feather Coloration in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). The University of Scranton.

2019

McManus, Catherine and Robert Smith. 2019. Exploring arthropod biomass and diversity in Northeastern Pennsylvania Invasive Dominated Habitats. The University of Scranton 19^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. April. Presentation by C. McManus, University of Scranton undergraduate.

O’Dell, Michael, Smith, Robert and Margret Hatch. 2019. Hematological parameters and early arrival in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) using habitats in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 19^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. April. Presentation by M. O’Dell, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Feldman, Jared and Robert J. Smith. 2019. The influence of phenology and vegetation on invertebrate diversity during the spring in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 19^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. April. Presentation by J. Feldman, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Rhodes, Derek A., Smith, Robert J. and Michael A. Sulzinski. 2019. Optional germination conditions for Metasequoia glyptostroboides. The University of Scranton 19^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. April. Presentation by D. Rhodes, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2018

Jonathan Nicklas, 2018. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. Examination of feather coloration by age and sex in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). The University of Scranton.

Esposito, Jessica, Hammert, William, Smith, Robert, Hatch, Margret, Stumpo, Katherine. 2018. Melanin Extraction and Concentration Analysis from Gray Catbird Feathers. The 256^th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23. Presentation by K. Stumpo.

Ebeid, John, Smith, Robert, Hatch, Margret, Ashline, David, Reinhold, Vernon, Stumpo, Katherine. 2018. Characterization of N-glycan moieties in plasma IgY from Dumetella carolinensis via mass spectrometry. The 256^th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23. Presentation by K. Stumpo.

2017

Kishan Patel, 2017. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. An Examination of Sex-Differences in Spring Arrival Timing & Parasite Prevalence Among Birds at a Northeastern Pennsylvania Stop-Over Site. The University of Scranton.

Niedermeyer, G., Patel, K., Dodgson, M., Lasek-Nesselquist and R. Smith. 2017. An Examination of sex-differences in spring arrival timing and a genetic analysis of parasitic infection among avian species in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 17^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by G. Niedermeyer, K. Patel and M. Dodgson, University of Scranton undergraduates.

2016

Ryan Brown, 2016. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. Evaluating the effects of time since capture on plasma triglyceride levels in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). The University of Scranton.

Brown, R. and R. Smith. 2016. Determining the Effect of Time Since Capture, Time Since Extraction, Time of Day, and Date on the Plasma Triglyceride Concentrations in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) at a Northeastern Pennsylvania Stopover Site. The University of Scranton 16^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by R. Brown, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Graham, J. and R. Smith. 2016. The effects of en route temperature on Gray Catbird arrival timing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 16^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by J. Graham, University of Scranton undergraduate.

LaCroce, A., Smith, R.J. and M.I. Hatch. 2016. Correlates of immune function of Gray Catbirds during spring migration. The University of Scranton 16^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by A. LaCroce, University of Scranton undergraduate.

 McAleer, J., Metgud, A., Hammel, G., Smith, R. and J. Voltzow. 2016. The influence of age and sex on Haemoproteus parasites in Gray Catbirds. The University of Scranton 16^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by J. McAleer, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Perello, J. and R. Smith. 2016. An examination of feather coloration of Common Yellowthroats in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 16^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by J. Perello, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2015

Brandon Somwaru, 2015. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis. Factors Influencing Measures of Immune Function in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) During Spring and Fall Migration. The University of Scranton.

Ceresnak, N. and R. Smith. 2015. The influence of climate on spring migration timing for landbirds using habitats in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton 15^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May. Presentation by N. Ceresnak, University of Scranton.

Ryan, J. J. and R.J Smith. 2015. An evaluation of factors affecting invertebrate biomass in Lackawanna State Park. The University of Scranton 15^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May 2015. Presentation by J. Ryan, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Pohlen, Z., Oguchi, Y., Smith, R.J., and J. C. Owen. 2015. Habitat use of neactic-neotropical migrant landbirds at a migratory stopover site in mid-Michigan.  Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting, West Palm Beach, Florida. Presentation by Z. Pohlen.

2014

Oguchi, Y., Gawne, C., Porter, M., Matsumura, H., Smith, R. J., and Owen, J. C. 2014. Physiological and immunological consequences of differential stopover habitat use in fall migrating landbirds. International Ornithological Congress. Tokyo, Japan, August 23, 2014. Presentation by Y. Oguchi.

Oguchi, Y., Gawne, C., Porter, M., Matsumura, H., Pohlen, Z, Smith, R. J., and Owen, J. C. 2014. Health status of migrating landbirds using exotic shrubs as stopover habitat in central Michigan. Research Coordination Network in Ecoimmunology. Woods Hole, Massachusetts, May 9, 2014. Presentation by Y. Oguchi.

Capooci, M. and R. Smith. 2014. The effects of short-term climate on the hue, brightness, and saturation of Gray Catbird crism and rectrix feathers. The University of Scranton 14^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May 2014. Presentation by M. Capooci, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Maas, N., M.I. Hatch and R. Smith. 2014. Assessing variability in feather coloration by gender and indices of immune function in Common Yellowthroats captured in northeastern Pennsylvania.  The University of Scranton 14^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May 2014. Presentation by N. Maas, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Olsakowski, M., J. Voltzow and R. Smith. 2014. The influence of Haemoproteus parasites on migratory phenology in Gray Catbirds. The University of Scranton 14^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA. May 2014. Presentation by M. Olsakowski, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2013

Ganssle, H. and R.J. Smith. 2013. An assessment of crissum feather coloration by gender and age in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) breeding in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The University of Scranton 13^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  May 2013.  Presentation by H. Ganssle, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Oguchi, Y., Matsumura, H., Smith, R. J., and Owen, J. C. 2013. Physiological and immunological consequences of differential habitat use in fall migrating landbirds. American Ornithologists' Union / Cooper Ornithological Society. Chicago, IL (8/13/2014-8/17/2014, stand-by on 8/15/2013).

2012

Hofler, M, and R.J. Smith.  2012.  The influence of plant species and changing plant phenology on arthropod biodiversity.  The University of Scranton 12^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  May 2012.  Presentation by M. Hofler, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Bohenek, J., Druther, K. and R.J. Smith. 2012. The Effects of Invasive Shrubs in Early-successional Habitats on Avian Communities. The University of Scranton 12^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  May 2012.  Presentation by J. Bohenek, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2011

Wynne, A. and R. Smith. 2011.  Spectral plumage reflectance of breeding Common Yellowthroats in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The University of Scranton 11^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  April 2011.  Presentation by A. Wynne, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2010

Bolus, R.T., Hatch M.I. and R.J. Smith.  2010.  Interactions between migrating and breeding common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas).  47th Annual Meeting of the Animal Behavior Society College of William and Mary July, 2010.  Presentation by R. Bolus.

Carr, N., Zenzal, T.J. and R.J. Smith.  2010.  Spectral plumage characteristics of breeding Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) in northeastern Pennsylvania, a followup.  The University of Scranton 10^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  April 2010.  Presentation by N Carr, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Brague, J., Smith, R.J. and M. Squire.  2010.  Assessment of skeletal morphology in Passerine landbirds. The University of Scranton 10^th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars, Scranton, PA.  April 2010.  Presentation by J. Brague., University of Scranton undergraduate. 

2009

Denise Hardisky, 2009.  Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis.  An Investigation of the Use and Fitness Consequences of Using Shrub-land Habitats by Gray Catbirds Migrating through Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The University of Scranton.

2008

Zenzal, T. and R. Smith.  2008.  Spectral plumage reflectance of breeding Gray Catbirds in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  126^th Stated Meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union, Portland, Oregon, August 2008.  Presentation by T. Zenzal, University of Scranton undergraduate.

Faris, M. and R. Smith.  2008.  Spectral reflectance of carotenoid-based plumage patches and individual fitness in Northern Michigan American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla).  Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Symposium, Lafayette College, Easton, PA.  Presentation by M. Faris, University of Scranton undergraduate.

2007

Foster, D.T., Smith, R.J. and M. Carey.  2007.  The effects of secondary succession on bird population and community composition in an old field in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Symposium.  DeSales University, Center Valley, PA.  Presentation by D. Foster, University of Scranton undergraduate student.

2006

Jessica Phillippy, 2006.  Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis.  An Examination of Immune Function in Gray Catbirds Relative to Time of Arrival and Condition Upon Arrival at Breeding Grounds in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The University of Scranton.

2002

Bru, R. T., Smith, R. J. and F. R. Moore.  2002.  Observations of song mode in the American Redstart: is a reevaluation of song function necessary?  Third North American Ornithological Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Presentation by R.T. Bru.