News Release

COLLEGE NEWS RELEASE / February 12, 2009

Boise State Raptor Biology Grad Students Awarded Nationally Competitive Research Grants

Boise State University graduate students Erin Strasser and John O'Keeffe are recipients of nationally competitive research grants from The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB). One of the largest and most prestigious professional associations of its kind, the SICB is dedicated to promoting the pursuit and public dissemination of important information relating to biology.

In addition to receiving $1,000 research awards, Strasser and O'Keeffe have earned a distinction shared by doctoral students at top-tier research universities including Harvard and Yale.

"These are but two accomplishments among many for our graduate students in biology and raptor biology," said Jim Belthoff, chair of Boise State's Biology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Our raptor biology graduate program recruits outstanding students from across the country and beyond. It has a long tradition of quality graduate education and productive research."

Strasser will use her SICB grant in the study of stress responses in nesting American Kestrels exposed to chronic human disturbance, advised by Dr. Julie Heath. O'Keeffe will use his grant in the study of oxidative stress and migratory flight strategies in raptors, advised by Dr. Al Dufty.

Dufty has a connection to another 2009 SICB grant recipient — Michael Butler. Now working on his doctorate at Arizona State University, Butler is a product of Boise State's unique raptor biology program and the namesake of a scholarship endowed by his parents. Citing Dufty's good work with students, the Butlers continue to contribute to the endowment and the advancement of Boise State's research mission.

"I like to think that biology is among the strengths of our college," Belthoff said. "Our faculty are nationally and internationally known, and they do outstanding work with students."

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Media Contact: Erin Ryan, University Communications, (208) 426-4910, erinryan@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is "The New U Rising" with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu.


 

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Last reviewed on Monday, March 02, 2009