DoctorSara Kross

Our lab works on these topics in a variety of animals (invertebrates, birds, mammals, lizards). We use systems-thinking in our research approach, which often includes combining one or more of the following broad topics-

• Understanding the role of restoration plantingsin supporting native biodiversity in farmland and urban systems.
• Measuring the costs and benefits to people from biodiversity (natures services to people, ecosystem services and disservices)
• Methods to attract beneficial species and deter detrimental species (nest boxes, artificial perches, restoration planting choices, bird deterrent systems).
• The effects of living in modified systems to wildlife (ecotoxicology, behavioural changes, persecution, mortality from man-made structures)
• Species ecology (demographic/breeding rates, causes of mortality, diet, habitat occupancy)
• Movement ecology (especially related to habitat availability, human activities)
• Behavioural ecology (most recently related to lures and deterrents)
• Social science (people's perceptions of wildlife)

I also work on better understanding the methods we can use for more effective and equitable approaches to teaching, and have published articles on such pedagogies.