BIOL 537 2012-13
Dr. R. Montgomerie

Rm: 3522 Bioscience Complex
Tel: (613) 533-6127
E-mail:  mont@queensu.ca
Faculty Web Site:http://www.queensu.ca/biology/people/faculty/montgomerie.html

RESEARCH AREA/POTENTIAL PROJECTS
We are working on a variety of projects on the reproductive tactics of animals, mainly birds, fish, Drosophila, and humans that involve behavioural observations and experiments, microscope work and molecular genetics analysis. I would be willing to supervise honours students in any of the following general areas—we can work out the details depending upon your specific interests and time. I will be away in the field in France this spring and summer so cannot supervise students in the summer months, though one of my grad students may be able to.Project 1 Sperm analysis
Analysis of behaviour and physiology of fish sperm, comparing sperm from different species and from different individuals and reproductive tactics within species. Project will involve lab work using microscopy and molecular physiology techniques. 

Project 2 Parasite analysis
Analysis of blood parasite loads in a variety of bird species to look for correlations between parasite load and male quality. This project will involve lab work using microscopy. 

Project 3 Feather colour analysis
Analysis of structure and colour of bird feathers to determine the relation between feather colour and feather quality. This project will involve lab work using microscopy and spectrophotometry.

 STARTING DATE:  I would prefer to supervise students who want to start in September 2012.