NWRC Research Scientists: Dr. Morgan B. Drabik-Hamshare (Pfeiffer)
Dr. Morgan Drabik-Hamshare joined the Ohio Field Station of the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) as a postdoctoral researcher in 2016.
Her research interests include understanding species plasticity, movements, and behavior in anthropogenic landscapes. She applies these interests to understanding and preventing wildlife collisions with aircraft. Her current research involves evaluating unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) technology for wildlife hazard management. She is an avid birder; her world life list is over 850 species.
Research Project
The goals of this project are to understand and quantify animal sensory ecology and antipredator behaviors to reduce animal-vehicle and structure collisions, the role of sUAS relative to wildlife monitoring and hazing, and airspace and land cover use on and near airports by birds recognized as hazardous to aviation safety.
Current Research
- Collaboration with the FAA and Purdue University on understanding bird response to UAS in a hazing context relative to bird position, repeated exposure, and individual variation.
- Collaboration with the University of North Dakota, Wildlife Services-North Dakota/South Dakota, and the FAA on applications of a UAS to mitigate bird strike risk within a flight route.
- Collaboration with Purdue University, University of Georgia, and Mississippi State University to understand UAS characteristics and flight patterns important for bird dispersal at airports.
- Collaboration with Mississippi State University to develop selection criteria and associated ranking for available UAS products that can be used to monitor wildlife on-and near airports.
- Collaboration with Mississippi State University to develop UAS image collection protocols for airport wildlife surveys. Development of an aerial image repository to aid in the development of machine learning algorithms for wildlife detection and identification.
- Research Associate with Nelson Mandela University on the ecology and conservation of Old World vultures.
International Experience
- Environmental consultant involved with the best management practices for the Cape Vulture and wind energy development in South Africa.
- Field assistant to multiple projects involving crocodiles, reptiles, birds, and mammals in South Africa.
- A global ambassador for The Pennsylvania State University’s study abroad programs.
- Participant in The Pennsylvania State University’s Parks and People Geography study abroad program.
Publications
View Dr. Morgan B. Drabik-Hamshare (Pfeiffer)'s publications.
Education
- Ph.D., Zoology, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- M.S., Zoology, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- B.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Science, The Pennsylvania State University
Contact
Morgan Drabik-Hamshare (Pfeiffer)
Research Biologist
Ohio Field Station
6100 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, Ohio 44870