(414) 256-1342 leonardm@mtmary.edu Gerhardinger Center, Room 316

Dr. Maureen Leonard
Assistant Professor of Biology

Education

• 2003, Ph.D., University of New Mexico in Albuquerque
  Dissertation advisor: Astrid Kodric-Brown
  Dissertation: Singing on the nest: a review and an experimental study of this seemingly paradoxical behavior
• 1998, M.S., University of Central Florida, Orlando
  Thesis advisor: I. Jack Stout
  Thesis: The Florida Scrub Jay at the Disney Wilderness Preserve
• 1995, B.S., State University of New York at Binghamton
  Cum laude
  

Biography -

I am a behavioral ecologist specializing in the vocalization behaviors of birds.  My work focuses on nesting behaviors and vocalizations made around the nest, such as singing while incubating eggs.  This behavior seems counter-intuitive and potentially dangerous to the fitness of the singers.  I am examining several species that perform this behavior to determine its function and its costs and benefits.

"The one thing I like best about teaching is when my students have the 'a-ha' moment...I love that!" --Dr. Leonard.
Hear more from Dr. Leonard about teaching at Mount Mary College.

Courses -

• BIO 256 Development Biology, Mount Mary College - Spring 2010
• BIO 325 Microbiology, Mount Mary College - Fall 2009, Spring 2010
• BIO 442 Advanced Microbiology - Fall 2009
• Bucknell University
  Animal Behavior, Applied Research in Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, Population and Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Controversies in Biology, General Biology
• Kutztown University
  General Biology, Ecology, Environmental issues, Biology and Society

Presentations -

• Ohio Northern University
  Evolution by natural selection Spring 2008
• Missouri Western State University
  Adaptations of organisms to extreme environments Spring 2008
• Coker College
  Singing on the nest Spring 2008
• West Liberty State College
  Energy flow in tropic systems Spring 2008
• Mount Mary College
  Afraid to go swimming? Bacteria in Lake Michigan Spring 2008
• Bucknell University Animal Behavior Program
  Singing on the nest Fall 2007
• Bucknell University
  Singing on the nest as a teaching tool Spring 2007
• Westminster College
  Alternative fuels: what happens when the oil runs out? Spring 2007

Publications -

• Leonard M. 2008. An overview and analysis of singing on the nest in North American birds. Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(10):1101-1110.

Associations -

• American Field Ornithologists
• American Ornithologists’ Union
• Animal Behavior Society
• Microbiology Society of America
• Milwaukee Microbiology Society
• National Science Teachers’ Association
• Ornithologists’ Society of North America
• Society for Developmental Biologists

Professional Interests -

• Animal Behavior
  
• Behavioral Ecology
  
• Animal Communication
  
• Ornithology
  
• Environmental Science