Justin G. Boyles |
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Much of my basic research focuses on the optimal expression of body temperature (i.e. thermoregulation) under varying ecological conditions as well as the evolutionary history that has led to the patterns of thermoregulation we see today. I use a multitude of approaches including non-manipulative data collection under natural conditions, experimental manipulations, computer modeling, and comparative analytical techniques. Insectivorous bats have been the most common model organisms in my past research, but more recently I have expanded my research to include everything from ants to birds to elephant shrews. My current interest in this field is examining how adaptive thermoregulation in endotherms will interact with a changing climate to determine the persistence, range expansion, and basic ecology of birds and mammals. |
| My current post-doctoral research focuses on White-nose Syndrome, a disease that has killed well over 1 million bats in the eastern United States. We will be using experimental, theoretical, and modeling approaches in an attempt to explain why so much variation exists in mortality rates between species, populations, and geographic regions. One of our main projects will be using custom-designed cameras systems to determine if WNS alters the behavior of bats. |
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Popular Press
Several of my papers have been picked up by the popular press and I've been done several radio interviews about bats and WNS. A few examples: New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, AP, National Geographic, LA Times, CBC, MSNBC. I have also done interviews on NPR's Science Friday and BBC World Service (my segment starts at 18:20).
I also recently testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs about the economic importance of bats to agriculture. Click on my ugly mug to see the video of my testimony.
