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Photo: Lena Westre
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Chandler identifying some birds on a wire at a bird point.
Photograph: Lena Westre
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Chandler Denison
Interviewed by Tammy Newcomer
Chandler Denison
School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Graduate status:
M.S. May 2010
Adviser: Dr. Charles Nilon
School for bachelor’s degree:
Pitzer College
Claremont, CA
Major: Biology
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Questions
Tammy: How would you describe your field of study/research to a friend who is not in your graduate program?
Chandler: I study birds…specifically why different bird species are located in certain areas of the urban environment and how this has to do with the social demographics of that area. I use socioeconomic status of the residents in the area (i.e. age of population, education level, ethnicity, ect.) to predict why some bird species may or may not occur in some Baltimore neighborhoods.
Tammy: What inspired you to go into this field of study?
Chandler: I chose urban ecology because I am interested in how animals and plants are coping and surviving in the growing urban environment. As more of the natural landscape is altered and transformed, it is important to understand how plant and animal species are dealing with these changes.
Tammy: Why did you become involved with BES?
Chandler: I started working for BES as a research assistant in the summer of 2005 doing bird counts for BES Bird Monitoring Project. I was drawn to BES because it is a long term project that covers all the environmental bases. The ability of the project to integrate biological, physical and social sciences together and then study them over a long period of time is essential to understanding the urban ecosystem. Of course, being located in my home town also influenced my decision to become involved with BES.
Chandler on a typical day at 6am, ready to count birds.
Photograph: Lena Westre
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Tammy: What do you most enjoy about being involved with BES?
Chandler: The people. Where else can you find such a diverse group of researchers working together?
Tammy: What is your favorite stress-reduction activity?
Chandler: Exercise. Nothing like a good run to get the blood pumping and the stress gone!
Tammy: Is there anything that you've had to "give up" as a graduate student?
Chandler: My social life has taken a hit. I find the key is moderation, everything in moderation…
Tammy: What are your plans for after graduate school?
Chandler: More school, specifically pursuing a PhD. I am currently contacting potential advisors who might be interested working with me. I want to study the population dynamics of small carnivores in the urban environment.
Tammy: Name at least one achievement you are proud of.
Chandler: Being dyslexic, attending graduate school while sticking with my core interests is something I never thought I would be able to accomplish. I can’t thank my family and academic advisors enough for their support along the way.
Tammy: Do you have any advice that you would give to a new BES graduate students?
Chandler: Talk to people! Again, talk to people! BES researchers are experienced and hail from a variety of backgrounds. Make and establish connections early and don’t be afraid to bounce research ideas off of the BES folks. In fact, maybe BES should have a time when students can present new research ideas at the BES meetings? Afterwards they can get advice and feedback from fellow researchers about their ideas.
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