Jessica R. Young
Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
EDUCATION:1994 Ph.D. Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology, Purdue University UNIVERSITY POSITIONS HELD:
TEACHING INFORMATION:I have been teaching at undergraduate institutions since 1994. I especially enjoy teaching field courses in which students can learn the principles of ecology and behavior in natural settings within the spectacular outdoor laboratory of the Gunnison Basin. I also enjoy teaching courses in international locations such as Belize, Ecuador and Mexico. |
2004 – Present Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Western State College of Colorado 
| Ecology | Environmental Studies |
| Zoology | Evolution of Mating Systems |
| Field Biology | Conservation Biology |
| Ornithology | Marine Biology in Baja California |
| Animal Behavior | Conservation Genetics |
| Environmental Biology | Ecology and Behavior in the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My general research interests integrate evolutionary theories of behavioral ecology and animal communication with applied aspects of conservation biology and wildlife management. Specifically, for much of the past two decades, I have been working with a unique species of grouse, the Gunnison Sage-grouse. I began working with the species as an undergraduate in 1988 and decided to better understand its ecology, behavior and genetics for my Ph.D. from 1988 till 1994. Since 1995 Dr. Clait Braun and I have proposed that the Gunnison Sage Grouse is a distinct species. In 2000, several scientists and I published a paper describing this species. Gunnison sage grouse are about 2/3 the size of sage grouse elsewhere, have different feathers, and produce different sounds with the yellow air sacs and their vocal apparatus. In 2000, the AOU recognized the Gunnison Sage-grouse as a distinct species based on physical, behavioral, and genetic traits.
A SAMPLE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS ADVISED
Matt Vasquez, Determination of winter use of sagebrush subspecies by Gunnison Sage-Grouse on Flat Top Mountain: Assessment for prescribed fire planning
Crystal Petersen, A comparative study of life history traits of Mountain Bluebirds and Tree Swallows at low and high elevations (co/advised w/Nancy Buscchaus University of Tennessee)
Mary Lehl, Population Distribution of Rough-legged Hawks in Gunnison, Colorado.
Darrel Jury, Assessment of Gunnison Sage-Grouse Winter Habitat for Fire Planning.
Leslie Maddox, Western State College, Summer and fall diet choices of Gunnison Sage-Grouse.
Destin Harrel, Western State College, Forest structure in Northern Goshawk nesting site areas in the Gunnison Basin.
Mary Lehl and Jeannette Hildred, Western State College, Gunnison Sage Grouse female social behavior.
Craig Stanton, Western State College, Genetic comparison of White-tailed Ptarmigan populations and subspecies.
Brandon Diamond, Western State College, Using GIS to Compare Abiotic Factors Influencing Habitat Use by Bighorn Sheep in Two Introduced Populations (w/Allen Stork).
Stephanie Wahl, Western State College, The effect of sage grouse playbacks on male and female lek attendance in the Gunnison Basin.
Tom Verry/Sara Koffarnus, Western State College, Gunnison, CO. Big horned sheep winter habitat and behavior in the Collegiate Peaks
Michele Sewolt, Western State College, Gunnison, CO. Conservation of white-tailed ptarmigan on Vancouver Island
Eric Fraass, Western State College, Gunnison, CO. A comparison of DNA yields using three non-invasive techniques
Tanya Warren/Justin Mick/Paul Mowery, Western State College The effects of tebuthiuron on sagebrush canopy cover” (w/Sandy Hayes)
Chris Gately, Western State College, CO “Summer habitat of Gunnison sage grouse” (w/M. Apley)
Tracy Swedlund, Western State College, CO “Gunnison Basin sage grouse investigations” (w/S. Adams)
