PhD. Candidate in Zoology & Physiology

Graduate Fellow

Topics Marjie can bring to your classroom:

Coyote Ecology (Listen to Marjie's coyotes sing!)
Hormones and the Brain
Mammalian Reproduction
The Evolution of Dogs
Animal Behavior and Adaptations
Human and Animal Physiology
The Classroom Cockroach!
Energy and Environment

Education:

B.S. in Biology – Washington State University
M.S in Animal Science / Environment and Natural Resources – University of Wyoming

Current Research:

I study reproduction, physiology and behavior of coyotes.  We are interested in exploring non-lethal methods of managing wildlife by controlling reproduction in species.

Our goal is to investigate if a single treatment of a sustained release high dose GnRH agonist can permanently chemically neuter coyotes. In contrast to surgical castration, which removes the testes, GnRH agonists work at the level of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis (brain) to shut down production of reproductive hormones (LH and FSH) and sperm.  Additional goals are to investigate physiological and behavioral implications of long-term hormone suppression.

Read an article from the Jackson Hole News about Marjie's research.

Background:

I grew up outside of Seattle, WA on 10 acres.  My dad was as Mechanical Aerospace Engineer and Sci-Fi fanatic who instilled a passion for science, imagination, and travel in me.  After graduating from college, I packed my backpack for the Galapagos Islands … the dream of every biologist.  I promised myself a return to graduate school after studying the real world.  Indeed, after many years exploring (wildlife biologist on expedition ships in Alaska, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean), following whales, studying cougars and mushing dogs, I landed in Laramie, WY for graduate school.  All I can say is … what a great ride it has been!

Childhood tidbit: I collected Planet of the Apes Dolls instead of Barbie Dolls, which might explain some things!