Personal Summary

Bridger Creel received their B.Sc. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Montana in 2019. In undergrad they gained broad experience in ecology, studying photosynthetic bacteria to African wild dogs. After graduating, they spent several years conducting avian research with The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) and Raptor View Research Institute. In addition, they worked with The Clark Fork Watershed Education Program, instructing Missoula area elementary students on the impacts of historic mining practices, motivating a new interest in the ecological impacts of mining. These experiences sparked their suite of interests in environmental toxicology, and food web ecology and stress physiology as they relate to avian conservation. This has led them pursue a PhD in collaboration with UMBEL and Drs. Creagh Breuner Ben Colman, studying how metals from mining contamination accumulate in the riparian food web and impact songbirds. When not studying birds, Bridger takes to the mountains and valleys surrounding Missoula to ski, bike, skateboard, and look for more birds.

Education

Current: Pursuing PhD in Ecology and Evolution in the Breuner and Colman Labs.

Previous: Bachelor of Science from The University of Montana, Summa Cum Laude

(BSc in Ecology and Organismal Biology, Minor in Studio Art)

Courses Taught

Ornithology (BIOO 470)

Behavior and Evolution Discussion (BIOE 409)

Mammalogy Writing Coach (BIOO 475)