In an era of rapid environmental change, ecologists are faced with two fundamental questions: (1) Which species are most vulnerable to environmental change? and, (2) What mechanisms will enable individuals and populations to respond to these environmental changes?  

Dr. Nathan Senner was just awarded a $349,864, two year grant from the National Science Foundation to address these questions. His team will follow individual long-distance migratory Hudsonian Godwits throughout their entire lives, from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their nonbreeding grounds in southern Chile using novel miniaturized tracking devices and on-the-ground efforts by an international team of collaborators. Following individual birds throughout their lives will provide insights into how changes occurring during different time periods or in different locations may act separately or synergistically to influence the ability of entire populations to successfully survive and reproduce. Congrats Nate!