Judy Che-Castaldo

Advisor: Dr. David Inouye

Previous Education:
B.A. Biology College of William and Mary

Research Interests:
I am generally interested in (and concerned about) human impacts on ecological functions. To conservationists, habitat loss has become of major concern, and one form of anthropogenic habitat degradation results from mining activity. I am studying the progression of natural recovery at abandoned mine sites in southwestern Colorado, and also how heavy metal tolerance can influence plant population dynamics. It is my hope that the findings of this research will have applications to the remediation of disturbed lands.

Location of Research:
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL)
Crested Butte, CO 81224

Publications:
LeClerc, J.E., Che, J.P., Swaddle, J.P., & Cristol, D.A. 2005. Reproductive success and developmental stability of eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) on golf courses: evidence that golf courses can be productive. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33(2): 483-493.

Swaddle, J.P., Che, J.P., & Clelland, R.E. 2004. Symmetry preference as a cognitive by-product in starlings. Behaviour 141, 469-478.

Funding Sources:
2000-present Gates Millennium Scholar scholarship, Gates Foundation. Merit-based funding for minority students pursuing higher education in the sciences.