Claire Morrical
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My name is Claire Morrical. I am a senior studying zoology with a specialization in wildlife biology at SIU. My research in Dr. Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau’s lab is focused on human-wildlife relationships in Jackson County, specifically how white-tailed deer behavior is affected by increased exposure to people in urban areas. I am observing and comparing deer flight distances and their associated behaviors when approached by a human on the Southern Illinois University campus and at Touch of Nature. My previous work in the field has involved monitoring ornate box turtle movement in Illinois and piping plover populations on the Virginia barrier islands. My interests include population and movement ecology as well as habitat conservation and restoration. I also enjoy kayaking, hiking, and playing piano.