Research PG
- About
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- Email Address
- e.stroud.19@abdn.ac.uk
- School/Department
- School of Biological Sciences
- Research
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Research Overview
As well as a broad interest in avian ecology, I am interested in the influences driving population dynamics within wild populations, and gaining a holistic understanding of the processes that cause change. Applying modern techniques of molecular ecology as well as the use of long-term studies of wild species will allow me to investigate these processes from the level of genes, to individuals, to entire populations.
Current Research
My current project focusses on understanding the factors that influence variation in the microbiome of a long-lived seabird, the northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. As well as investigating the effects of foraging area, parasite load and social interactions, I will also be investigating the effect of the Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC) and immune influences on the microbiome composition, and the possibility of olfactory communication via the microbiome as a method for determining genetic fitness of potential partners. During this project, using both genetic and ecological methods, I hope to gain a more holistic understanding of the relationship between host and microbiome in wild avian populations.