People

Jessie Williamson – Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Physiology

Affiliate Curator, Museum of Vertebrates

Jessie has broad interests in avian evolution, ecology, and ecophysiology, particularly as they relate to how birds live and move in high-elevation environments. She loves doing science in collaborative teams and prefers to be above 3,000 meters in elevation. When not studying birds, Jessie likes to bird at migrant traps, hike, camp, and explore Wyoming's quirky outdoor spots.   

jessie.williamson@uwyo.edu

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Margaret (Margie) Hemp – Ph.D. Student

Margie has a passion for asking (and answering) questions, whether they're about the human-wildlife conflict with Andean Condors in Ecuador or the relationship between flower phytochemicals and nectar-feeding birds. Margie has been a birder since 12 years of age and loves being immersed in academic study/research. Margie also likes to stay physically active, practice Spanish, and explore the outdoors.

mhemp@uwyo.edu

Collin Porter – Ph.D. Student

Collin is interested in the evolutionary, ecological, and eco-physiological dynamics that facilitate movement across environmental gradients, particularly in alpine birds that migrate between high and low elevations. He is passionate about integrating contemporary field data with museum collections to explore questions that span broad spatial and temporal scales. Outside of his studies, he enjoys photography, hiking, listening to and playing music, and exploring new places through birding.

Collin.Porter@uwyo.edu

Sammy Veauthier – Post-baccalaureate researcher

Sammy recently graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor's degree in Zoology. She is interested in working with birds and exploring questions that incorporate ecology, evolution, and museum collections. In her free time, Sammy enjoys reading and spending time outdoors trail running, fly fishing, and cross-country skiing. 

Megan Huff – Undergraduate researcher

Megan is passionate about wildlife conservation and is particularly interested in human impacts on migrating birds and raptors. She loves learning all about birds and during her free time, she enjoys birding, hiking, and reading.