Jessica Stamn

I am a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Mississippi studying animal behavior, with the goal of integrating relevant research to guide the conservation efforts of threatened species. Although my work centers on terrestrial mammals, I am broadly interested in understanding how changes in top-down predation, including lethal and non-lethal effects, shapes various ecosystems. Originally from Wisconsin, my interest in animal behavior has led me across the country, interning at the St. Louis Zoo in the Animal Behavior Lab, at Savannah State University in the dolphin ecology lab, collaborating with USDA wildlife researchers in Fort Collins Colorado, and now pursuing my Ph.D. in Oxford, Mississippi. My diverse experience with animal behavior research and the continuous need for biodiversity conservation has driven me to integrate these two fields as I move throughout my career. 

I am also interested in better understanding how students learn, both in the classroom and in non-academic settings. Science is a field that relies on diverse individuals testing new (and not-so-new) ideas. As many students face barriers within STEM education, I strive to build programs and work with educators to ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in STEM activities. I have created and implemented various outreach programs throughout Mississippi, and hope to continue my outreach work in K-12 systems.

Feel free to reach out if you want to get in contact!