Graduate Research Assistant

USGS Cooperative Research Unit

Department of Biology

North Carolina State University

research
I am broadly interested in studying factors that influence where and how species persist, particularly as conditions change: either through direct displacement from human activities, indirectly through human-generated change, or a combination of the two. Which species exhibit the plasticity to adapt to novel scenarios and challenges, and what are the limits and tradeoffs of this plasticity? Often these questions point me toward species of conservation concern with limited populations or quickly disappearing habitats. We have already altered many habitats to the point where there is a continuum of adjustment for the species that remain. Conservation of critical spaces needs to be supplemented with a reduced human impact on all spaces. It follows, then, to search for what motivates people to place value in the natural environment and the conservation of biodiversity. To what degree- consciously or not - does the environment contribute to people’'s sense of Place?My current research project focuses on the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) and its expansion into new nesting habitats over the last several decades. I am looking at potential responses, such as nest survival and chick growth, in the hopes of characterizing how these new sites serve the birds relative to the traditional sites. As barrier islands - the birds’ traditional habitat - disappear with sea level rise and are replaced by other analogous environments, will these birds be able to find suitable nesting sites? Are they unwillingly practicing for the future?
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photos

american oystercatcher
cranes
bird banding

american oystercatcher

barrier nest in sand
shell rake nest
starring before hatch
just hatched
chick at 14 days
NPS collaboration
banded chick

cranes

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bird banding

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Jessica J Stocking

EducationM.S. Candidate, Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation tract. North Carolina State University.Advisor: Dr. T.R. Simons. Anticipated date of matriculation: May 2012.Bachelor of Arts, Biology. University of North Carolina – Asheville. May 2004EmploymentResearch AssistantReproductive monitoring and capture of American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) for ongoing mark-recapture study.North Carolina State University. 2009Biological TechnicianSpotlighting and capture of wintering American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) in eastern North Carolina. Soil and invertebrate sampling.North Carolina State University. 2009Biological TechnicianPopulation monitoring and juvenile capture of state endangered greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida). Data management and presentation. Protocol development.WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. 2008Biological TechnicianSingle species monitoring of breeding Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus): distribution, abundance, habitat assessment, reproductive success and GIS analysis. First author in final project report.U.S. Geological Survey – FRESC, OR. 2008Contract BiologistSingle species and habitat monitoring of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). Data management and presentation. Solicitation and coordination of federal, state and tribal entities and volunteers in monitoring efforts. Communication with local communities, in schools and on streets, concerning conservation priorities.North American Crane Working Group, WA and CA. 2006, 2007Biological TechnicianBaiting, capture and telemetry monitoring of subadult and adult federally endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pulla).U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS. 2006InternshipsField EcologyContinuation of long-term project, including monitoring, trapping and color-marking efforts in Briggsville, WI. Map and aerial photo interpretation. Interaction with landowners in farming community. Development of protocols for capture and handling techniques. International Crane Foundation, WI. 2005AvicultureAviculture duties, including behavioral observations and interpretations, data collection and management, and raising of juvenile whooping cranes for release. Mentored high school students in biological methods and conservation strategies through the study of cranes.International Crane Foundation, WI. 2004, 2005Volunteer ActivitiesVideo monitoring, North Carolina State University, NC Winter 2008 2009Interpretation and cataloging of nesting behavior of Swainson’s Warblers for NCSU PhD candidateVideo production, Duke University and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, FL December 2008Creation of garden welcome video, from conception to production, under the guidance of Dr. Stuart L. PimmProject research, Columbia Land Trust, Hood River, OR Winter 2007 2008Researching and evaluating model agricultural easements and approaches for pilot project in Hood River County, ORGIS analysis, US Forest Service, Hood River, OR Winter 2007 2008Evaluating aggregation and deposition patterns on the Sandy River after removal of the Sandy River Delta damPasserine mist-netting and banding, U.S. Forest Service, WA Summer and Autumn 2007Outreach Activities2011. “The Ground We Walk On”. Led bird listening walk in association with an art exhibit.2011. National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Training presentation – American Oystercatcher monitoring.2011. Chapel Hill Bird Club. – Presentation of research activities.2010. National Park Service,– Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Training presentation – American Oystercatcher monitoring.2009. International Migratory Bird Day. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Capture technique and tracking demonstrations.2006-2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conboy Lake NWR. Refuge liaison to public, scheduling and leading tours for schools and other interested groups.Professional Society AffiliationsSociety for Conservation Biology, 2008-2012Waterbird Society, 2009-2010Cooper Ornithological Society, 2010Ecological Society of America 2010-2012A.A.A.S., 2011-2012
contact sandy binocs BW.jpg

Jessica J Stocking contact

USGS Cooperative Research Unit

Department of Biology

Campus Box 7617

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC 27695-7617

email: jessica.stocking_gmail.com

review1

review 1

I thought this was very well said as a description of interest in biological research. The first paragraph melded well where her interests lie, how she goes about contemplating that scientific wonder, and what broad impacts these questions and answers may have. The holistic understanding of considering not just how humans impact our environment, but why, shows a completeness of thought. Her thoughts fall not only addressing current situations and symptoms, but in addressing the underlying causes. I liked the move from very broad to specific; the overarching interest and concern to the specific study system. The blurb, as well as her research interests, were very well thought
review2

review 2

I am broadly interested in studying factors that influence where and how species persist, particularly as human activities DISPLACE THEM INTO NEW HABITATS. I WONDER WHY SOME species exhibit the plasticity to adapt to novel ENVIRONMENTS and what FACTORS limit THIS plasticity? These questions OFTEN PERTAIN TO species of conservation concern: SPECIES with limited populations or quickly disappearing habitats. IN MANY ENVIRONMENTS HUMANS have altered habitats to the point THE SPECIES THAT REMAIN ARE CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING NOVEL CONDITIONS. (THE NEXT TWO DECLARATIVE SENTENCES NEED TO BE PHRASED IN THE CONTEXT OF YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS) Conservation of critical spaces needs to be supplemented with a reduced human impact on all spaces. It follows, then, to search for what motivates people to place value in the natural environment and the conservation of biodiversity. To what degree - consciously or not - does the environment contribute to peoples sense of Place?My current research focuses on WHY the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) HAS EXPANDED into new nesting habitats over the last several decades. I am COMPARING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF BIRDS ON TRADITIONAL OUTER BEACH HABITATS WITH THOSE ON NOVEL MARSH AND DREDGE SPOIL ISLAND HABITATS TO DETERMINE .., in the hopes of characterizing how these new sites serve the birds relative to the traditional sites. As barrier islands - the birds traditional habitat - disappear with sea level rise and are replaced by other analogous environments, will these birds be able to find suitable nesting sites? Are they unwillingly practicing for the future?Nice job. I think AMOY are a great model for studying plasticity. Often thought about the contrast of AMOY and PIPL nesting on the same beaches and why AMOY seem to have ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment while PIPL seem to have quite rigid requirements.
review3

review 3

I was really impressed with this statement. You have a great writing style, which is rare in scientists. Id like to be able to just tell you to leave it as is but Im sure were not allowed to do that. Since one of the points of emphasis seems to be making these statements accessible to the general public one thing that you could do is to provide concrete examples some of your research interests. So for example when you mention direct displacement from human activities and human generated change you could let the reader know that some examples of these things in the case of the oyster catchers would be building roads on their nesting grounds and sea level rise due to global climate change. In another example when you talk about the environment affecting peoples sense of Place you could say something like: in other words to people who live near the woods care more about conservation than people who live in the city. A third example of how you could make this statement easier for the general public to understand would be to explain what you mean by analogous environments.Like I said before my suggestions for change are only for the sake of the assignment and under the premise that we want these statements to be very easy for the general public to understand. If left as is, other scientists will appreciate this statements concise nature and really nice style.
Jessica J Stocking

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