Principal Research Interests:
My research primarily revolves around the ecology and evolution of avian behavior, particularly that of avian migratory behavior in both tropical and temperate systems. My research integrates strong laboratory and field components: molecular tools for phylogenetic and population genetic analyses; and field data collected on morphology, habitat, and vocalizations.

In addition, I have recently expanded my research into the realm of microbial ecology where I use a novel genetic fingerprinting method to study avian plumage microorganisms in relation to behavior such as migration. I am currently working on a collaborative project that aims to quantify the effects of human-induced stress on the energy expenditure of highly endangered birds of Texas with the use of heart rate telemetry.

Education:

B.S. (1993), Environmental Biololgy, McGill University , Canada

M.S. (1996), Ecology, McGill University, Canada/Doñana Biological Station , Spain (D.M. Bird & M. Ferrer).

Ph.D. (2004), Evolution, York University , Canada . (B.J.M. Stutchbury)

Post-Doc (2003-2005), Microbial Ecology, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , USA . (P.P. Marra)

Post-Doc (2006-_), Conservation, Princeton University , USA (M. Wikelski).

Publications:

Thorup, K., I.-A. Bisson, M. S. Bowlin, R. A. Holland, J. C. Wingfield, M. Ramenofsky, and M. Wikelski. Evidence for a navigational map stretching across the continental USA in a migratory songbird. In Press. Procceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

Bisson, I.-A., P.P. Marra, E.H. Burtt, M. Sikaroodi, and P.M. Gillevet. 2007. A molecular comparison of plumage and soil bacteria across biogeographic, ecological, and taxonomic scales. Microbial Ecology 54:65-81.

Burtt, E.H. Jr., V. Saranathan, and I.-A. Bisson. 2006. An ecosystem in feathers. Proceedings for the International Ornithological Congress, Hamburg, Germany.

Ferrer, M. & I.A. Bisson. 2003. Age and territory-quality effects on fecundity in the Spanish Imperial Eagle. The Auk 120 :180-186.

Bisson, I.A., M. Ferrer & D.M. Bird. 2002. Factors influencing nest-site selection by Spanish imperial eagles. Journal of Field Ornithology 73:298-302.

Bisson, I.A. & B.J.M. Stutchbury. 2000. Nest site selection and productivity by hooded warblers in a fragmented landscape. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78: 858-863.

Bisson, I.A., B.J.M. Stutchbury, & D. Martin. 2000. Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens, nest site characteristics at the northern edge of its range. Canadian Field Naturalist 114:689-691.