Joshua Angell

Scholarly Interest

My research investigates how different environmental factors influence the habitat quality and nesting success of breeding grassland songbirds. In particular, I use fecal DNA metabardocing to study the diet provisioned to nestling birds. Sufficient food resources are critical for nestlings’ growth and development, which impact their eventual recruitment into the breeding population. Because grassland birds are declining faster than any other group of birds in North America, it is essential to understand what factors are most important for successful reproduction.

I am also interested in using varied statistical modeling techniques to better understand ecological data. Recently, I have been looking into implementing Bayesian approaches into my research, which can be more appropriate than frequentist methods when sample sizes are small or when accounting for prior knowledge — two common circumstances in ecology.

Education

B.A., Earlham College

M.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Professional Memberships

American Ornithological Society
Wilson Ornithological Society