Sharon Gill

Photo of Sharon Gill
Sharon Gill
Professor of Biological Sciences
Office: 
(269) 387-5613
Location: 
3157 Wood Hall, Mail Stop 5410
Mailing address: 
Department of Biological Sciences
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5410 USA
Research interests: 
  • Behavioral ecology
  • Ornithology
  • Sound ecology
Bio: 

Dr. Sharon Gill is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University.

The primary research focus of the Gill lab is to understand the behavioral responses of animals to environmental change. The lab is exploring whether animals alter communication strategies in response to anthropogenic noise, considering the degree to which individuals can flexibly adjust their calls and songs as well as other behaviors depending on noise. All of the data collection occurs in the field, with most work on songbirds (chipping sparrows, field sparrows and house wrens), but also investigating these questions in two frogs, grey tree frogs and spring peepers. The work is done at various conservation and recreation lands across southwest Michigan, including preserves of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, and state, county, township and city parks. Once back from the field, hundreds of hours are spent analyzing sound recordings, considering both patterns of noise in the recordings as well as the animal sounds themselves. 

Students in Gill's laboratory:

  • Parks Marion, MS
  • Katie Maurer, Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • Karla Kelly, MS Student
  • Keke Ray, MS Student
  • Joanna Sblendorio, PhD Candidate

 

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