Karie Decker

Background:

Born and raised in Montana, I have always admired the natural world. This interest motivated the completion of my undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Montana in 2001. Since then I have wandered between two passions in my life- teaching and research. I have taught in both public and private school systems, traditional and non-traditional. But, after spending my summers learning the breeding biology of birds around the world, I decided that research was where I wanted to go and the battle finally ended in my pursuit of a Master's degree with Dr. Conway. For several years, I conducted research on avian life history strategies for Dr. Tom Martin as his field and lab supervisor at the University of Montana. Here I developed my personal research interests under the direction of Dr. Martin, Dr. Emlen, and multiple other professors in Misssoula whom provided me with advise. My current research interests lie in looking at how habitat quality can shape the evolution of life history strategies. Ecological factors such as predation, food availability, and disturbance can have profound effects on species diversity and persistence in a variety of ecosystems. An important time to assess these factors is during the breeding season. Understanding the role that each of these factors play can help reveal how species respond to variation in their environment. Specifically, I intend to look at how nest predation, food availability, and human disturbance influence various reproductive strategies (nesting success, clutch size, egg mass, nestling growth rates, and offspring sex ratios) of the Red-faced Warbler breeding in a unique high-elevation sky island habitat outside of Tucson. Ultimately, I seek to apply empirical research to conservation efforts and continue to extend what I have learned to the younger community.

    
 

Publications:
   
  • Decker, K.L ., C.J. Conway. 2009. Effects of an unseasonal snowstorm on Red-faced Warbler Nesting Success. Condor. In Press
   
  • Fontaine, J.J. and K.L. Decker. 2009. Exploring predation and animal coloration through outdoor activity. Science Activities 45:3-8.
   
  • Niklison, A.M., J.I. Areta, R.A. Ruggera, K.L. Decker, and T.E. Martin. 2008. Natural history and breeding biology of the Rusty-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus). The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 120:345-352.
   
  • Fontaine, J.J., S.C. Stier, M.L. Maggio and K.L. Decker. 2007. Schoolyard Microclimate. The Science Teacher. 74:38-42.

 

 
  • Fontaine, J.J. , M. Martel, H.M. Markland, A.M. Niklison, K.L. Decker, and T.E. Martin. 2007. Testing ecological and behavioral correlates of nest predation. Oikos. 116:1887-1894.
   
  • Decker, K.L ., A.M. Niklison, and T.E. Martin.  2007.  First description of the nest, eggs, and breeding behavior of the Merida Tapaculo.  The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 119:121-124
   
     
Presentations:
   
  • Decker, K.L. and C.J. Conway. Seasonal decline in avian clutch size; a test of 4 alternative hypotheses. Cooper Ornithological Society Conference. April 2009. Tucson , AZ. Young Professional Award Finalist; Invited Plenary
   
  • Decker, K.L., and C.J. Conway. Impacts of severe weather events on avian nesting success: implications from climate change. AZ/NM Regional TWS. February 2009. Gallup , NM .
   
  • Decker, K.L. and C.J. Conway. Seasonal decline in avian clutch size; a test of 4 alternative hypotheses. AOU/COS/CSO Conference. August 2008. Portland , OR.
   
  • Decker, K.L., and T.E. Martin. Climate affects ungulate browsing and aspen with 'trickle-down' effects on birds. Poster presented at
    the Restoring the West Conference. September 2006. Utah State University, Logan UT.
   
     
  Grants and Fellowships:
   
  • 2009 Animal Behavior Student Research Award - $500
   
  • 2009 Graduate Professional Student Counsel Professional Development Grant - $1,450
   
  • 2009 T & E, Inc. Research Award - $2,400
   
  • 2009 Graduate Professional Student Counsel Travel Grant - $450
   
  • 2008 Shikar Safari Scholarship - $4,000
   
  • 2008 Arrington Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
   
  • 2008 National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship - $50,000
   
  • 2008 AOU Research Award - $1,400
   
  • 2008 Graduate College Fellowship - $1,000
   
  • 2007 Graduate College Fellowship - $1,000