Thesis in Zoology (Zool 4970) provides students with the opportunity to formalize their research experience into a larger project. Typically, students conduct their research during a one- to two-year period and register for "thesis" during the time they write up the study. Students are required to present the work as a departmental seminar, and many theses have been published and/or presented at national, state and local meetings.
Some current thesis projects:
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Taking the plunge: pouch morphology and function in diving brown pelicans
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Evolution of coloniality in the American Avocet
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The effect of female condition on parental care in European starlings
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An examination of the Elaeophora schneideri and other diseases of Moose (Alces alces) in Utah
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The effects of green nesting material on ectoparasite loads of nestling European Starlings
Recently completed theses:
- 2008. Christopher Schulze: Evaluation of a ground-based paintball mark re-sight survey of mountain goats (Oreamnose americanus).
- 2004. Rene Myers:Taking the plunge: pouch morphology and function in diving brown pelicans
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2003. Kristina McKinley:Seasonal variation in offspring sex ratios in European Starlings
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2002. Nancy Summers: Clutch size variation in European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris): a test of Lack's hypothesis.
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2002. Julia Rayl: A study of the pollination system of Steershead (Dicentra uniflora).
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2002. Olga Freidekind: Practical training protocol: In situ hybridisation to polytene chromosomes in Drosophila. Diplomate thesis, University of Heidelberg, Germany. (Research conducted at Weber State University).
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2002. Melissa Bentley: The distribution and phylogeny of Het-A transposable elements within selected species of Drosophila.
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2001. Eric Stakebake: A biomechanical and immunohistochemical study of gliding flight in albatrosses.
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2001. Lori Spears: The effects of avian pox on plumage coloration in male house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus).
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2001. Chris Ostler: Identification of Het-A transposable element in Drosophila teissieri.