The Berman Ecology Research Group

Our lab investigates a wide range of species interactions, spanning vertebrates, arthropods and microbes, through both ecological and evolutionary lenses. We seek to understand which species interact with each other and how these interactions impact the distribution and abundance of animals and the functioning of ecological communities. Our research utilizes approaches ranging from field experiments to advanced molecular techniques.

Research areas: 

• Ecology
• Behavioural ecology
• Molecular ecology
• Environmental DNA
• Microbiomes

We aim to answer questions such as: 

1. How does migration (spatial-temporal changes) shape the microbiome of birds and affect their fitness and survival? 
2. What is the functional importance of the microbiota to bird performance? 
3. How do trophic interactions change throughout bird migration? 
4. What do migrating birds eat while migrating through stopover sites? 
5. Which pathogens are transmitted during migration, and how do they affect bird health? 
6. How do ecosystem engineers, such as large mammalian herbivores, impact the microbial communities of other animals that share their environment?