Russell Benford

Russell Benford is a Ph.D. student working with Dr. Russell Balda studying behavioral ecology, molecular ecology, and neuroethology.  Russ’ research interests include the evolution of complex behaviors such as learning and memory, and the genetic and neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for those behaviors.  His current projects include:

·    Genetic characteristics of pinyon jays

·    Adaptive value of social learning in pinyon jays

·    Unexpected population structure of pinyon jays

·    Paternity-based justification of parental investment in pinyon jays

·    Ecological determinants of home range and habitat use of pinyon jays

·    Hormonally-mediated learning and memory deficiency in female pinyon jays

In addition to work in behavioral ecology, Russ is a biology teacher and researcher in cognitive science and science education.  His interests in this field include the use of inquiry as a pedagogical technique, as well as assessment and science education reform.  Russ earned his Master’s degree with Anton Lawson in the Biology Department at Arizona State University.  He continues to collaborate and innovate with Dr. Lawson in this area of research. 

In his undergraduate experience, Russ studied wildlife management and ecology at in the Environmental Resources Department at Arizona State University.  His emphasis was in the conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial mammals and their habitats. 

Russ is the lab manager of the Avian Cognition Lab, and can be contacted for any lab business. 

Affiliation:  
Avian Cognition Laboratory
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Northern Arizona University

Phone:
(928) 523-1355

E-mail:
rb33@nau.edu