wildlife biology

I answer applied research questions at the intersection of wildlife biology, landscape ecology, and statistics. My work falls under three broad themes: (1) understand the influence of humans and associated land use impacts on wildlife distributions, densities, and related processes at local and landscape scales, (2) develop new analytical tools that address the influence of landscape features on animals at the sub-population and population scales, and (3) improve efficiency of research and monitoring through optimal study design.

My research interests center on the development and application of quantitative methods to ecological problems, primarily in wildlife population dynamics. I strive to connect ecological theory to wildlife management problems and in doing so improve wildlife management and test ecological theory. I employ a combination of empirical field studies, statistical model development and software development to answer ecological questions and provide tools for conservation practitioners.

I and my graduate students do research on large mammals, working on research questions that are of interest to state and federal wildlife management agencies.

Dr. Perkins' interests lie at the intersection of media and science education. She holds a MS in Wildlife Biology, a MA in Radio-Television Production, and a PhD in Forestry and Conservation from The University of Montana. Her research interests include ecology education, how people learn about science, and sources of ecological knowledge (especially media). Perkins also is an independent producer with The Broadcast Media Center, where she is actively pursuing productions that enhance understanding of ecology and the environment.