Michael Sherriff

faculty

Michael Sheriff, PhD

Associate Professor

Biology

Curriculum Vitae
Research site

508-910-6894

msheriff@umassd.edu

Science & Engineering 330B

Education

2010University of British ColumbiaPhD

Teaching

  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Biology of Mammals
  • Field Techniques in Ecology

Teaching

Programs

Teaching

Courses

Introduction to major concepts in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. The field of ecology focuses on the study of species interactions, while the field of evolution studies the mechanisms by which species change over time. The course topics central to both fields highlighting conceptual overlap.

The principles and practices of the scientific discipline of ecology. Interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment will be emphasized. Interactions will be described and analyzed at the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. In the laboratory, students will use hypothesis-testing and experimentation to examine theoretical and empirical aspects of ecology.

Continuation of BIO 440. An advanced research project in an advanced student's field of general interest conducted under the supervision of an appropriate staff member, in the form of independent research leading to the solution of a problem.

In-depth study of a specific area in biology, leading to independent research addressing a biological question. Research results will be presented in a professional-style poster at a research symposium. Attendance at biology department seminars is also required.

Investigations of a fundamental and/or applied nature culminating in an original contribution to the scholarly research literature of Integrative Biology. Doctoral research contributes to the student's dissertation and should be presented at major conferences and ultimately published in refereed journals. A written dissertation must be completed and defended in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School and the Integrative Biology PhD Program.

Research

Research awards

  • $ 29,130 awarded by Wild Animal Initiative, INC for Developing a Consensus Profile of Wild Animal Welfare: Integrating Non-invasive Monitoring of the Gut Microbiome and Stress Physiology
  • $ 18,200 awarded by Texas A&M - Kingsville for Determination of Fecal Try-iodothyronine and Cortisol As Physiological Proxies of Animal Welfare
  • $ 60,000 awarded by Wild Animal Initiative, Inc. for The Impact of Road Noise on the Welfare of Free-Living Juvenile White-Footed Mice

Research

Research interests

  • Prey Responses to the Risk of Predation
  • Organismal Responses to Environmental Stressors
  • Transgenerational Plasticity/Maternal Stress Effects

Additional links