Student Research

Broadly, my research projects include opportunities for field, lab, and computational experience. My research is predominantly on the evolution and diversification of avian species. However, opportunities do exist outside of my taxonomic focus as both Ryan Hardman and Molly Girard have assisted on mammalian projects. If you are interested or think you might be interested in becoming involved in my research program please do not hesitate to contact me–lklicka@peru.edu.

Current Research Students

Shannon Jones (2023–present)
- Shannon is leading a project on quantifying song differences (using R and Raven) in two closely related species of white-eye from the Solomon Islands.

Ethan Moore (2023–present)
- Ethan is investigating the population genetics of avian feather lice across a known avian hybrid zone

Molly Girard (2021–present)
- Molly has been involved in several ongoing projects including phylogeographic investigations of North American cervids and hornbills (Bucerotidae). She also assisted for the summer 2022 field season and will continue working in the lab and in collaboration with researchers at the University of Kansas (KU).

Former Research Students

Karley Dieckmann (2023)
- Karley produced and presented a poster overviewing the Red-tailed Hawk project and highlighting her contributions and other wildlife ecology students at PSC to the project. Karley will continue her studies as a Master's student and Climate Hub Fellow at the University of Lincoln

Ryan Hardman (2020–2022)
- Ryan identified suitable field sites in southeast Nebraska, conducted small mammal surveys, and prepared specimens to be deposited at the KU Natural History Museum.
- Ryan graduated from Peru State College in the spring of 2022.

Jordan Carfield (2022)
- Jordan was involved in the molecular lab and learned how to extract DNA from muscle tissue from avian specimens.
- Jordan transferred to the University of Nebraska, Kearny to continue her undergraduate education closer to home.