Bruce Robertson

Academic Program Affiliation(s): Biology, Environmental Studies, Mind, Brain, and Behavior

Biography:

B.S., University of Notre Dame; Ph.D., University of Montana. Postdoctoral fellowships at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Bird Center and Michigan State University. Professor Robertson’s research focuses on understanding the direct and indirect impacts of human activities on biodiversity, animal behavior, and species interactions, with special emphasis on how rapidly changing environments may disrupt evolved relationships and trigger behavioral maladaptation. He is best known for his interest in better understanding the causes and consequences of maladaptive behavioral scenarios—called ecological and evolutionary traps—that have the potential to negatively impact populations of native species. He is currently investigating how new forms of light pollution are triggering maladaptive behavior in birds and aquatic insects in ways that will help inform sustainable development and solar panel design. Robertson is also developing ways in which evolutionary traps can be used to manage pest species and fight cancer. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and his work has been covered by National Public Radio, Scientific American, the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Contact:

Phone: 845-752-2332
Email:
Location: Reem-Kayden Center
Office: 213