Andrew J. Edelman, M.S. Doctoral Candidate Department of Biology, University of New Mexico

---

Home	Research	Publications	Curriculum vitae	Links

Contact Information: Department of Biology University of New Mexico MSC03 2020 Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA Phone: (505) 277-4399 Fax: (505) 277-0304 E-mail: andrewe@unm.edu		Personal Statement I am a doctoral candidate in the biology department at the University of New Mexico under the advisorship of Dr. Astrid Kodric-Brown. I received my M.S. in wildlife ecology (2004) from the University of Arizona and my B.S. in biology (1999) from Willamette University. My past and present research has focused on the ecology and behavior of small mammals including chipmunks, tree squirrels, and kangaroo rats. Currently, I am examining delayed dispersal and parental investment in banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis). My study area is located on the Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, New Mexico. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats are a keystone species of Southwestern desert grasslands that build large, dirt mounds containing extensive burrow systems and seed caches. The conspicuous mounds allow this kangaroo rat to be easily found and trapped making them excellent subjects for ecological studies. In addition, banner-tailed kangaroo rats exhibit many unusual behaviors for a small rodent. Female banner-tailed kangaroo rats allow offspring to reside at the natal mound for 2-7 months after weaning. Also, some females will bequeath mounds to offspring and move to adjacent mounds. For more information on my research, publications, and CV, please use the links listed above.