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Our lab welcomes graduate and undergraduate research students. Lab projects examine the function and evolution of male and female vocalizations among parrots, Colorado wren species, New World sparrows, blackbirds, and more.
Our lab welcomes graduate and undergraduate research students. Lab projects examine the function and evolution of male and female vocalizations among parrots, Colorado wren species, New World sparrows, blackbirds, and more.
Graduate Students
Graduate Students
Cristina Barros
Cristina Barros
cristina.barros |at| unco.edu
I am a fourth year PhD student in the Benedict lab, and my research focuses mainly on animal behavior and acoustic signaling. I am especially interested in uncovering the mysteries of how and why birds communicate with one another. Currently, I am conducting a research project investigating female song function in Red-winged Blackbirds via a combination of observational, behavioral, experimental, and passive acoustic monitoring techniques. I believe in using an evolutionary approach in my behavioral experiments in order to evaluate the adaptive significance of female song as a communication signal. When I am not conducting research or teaching classes, I enjoy playing guitar, discussing pop culture, and attending live music events.
Wynn Buchanan
Wynn Buchanan
wynn.webster |at| unco.edu
I am a second year Master's student in the Benedict Lab, with a background in avian genomics. My current interests focus on analysis of parrot vocalizations and their evolutionary patterns. My project is looking at phylogenetic evolutionary comparisons between domesticated parrot species. Previously, I worked with tissue comparisons in telomere degradation over time in both Black-capped Chickadees and Yellow Warblers.
Karla Vilches Castaño
Karla Vilches Castaño
karla.vilchescastano |at| unco.edu
I am a second-year master's student with background in animal conservation and behavioral studies, primarily focused on the Puerto Rican amazon parrot. I'm currently studying the bioacoustics of parrot vocal learning, with a focus on their ability to mimic human speech. My research explores the acoustic factors that shape vocal imitation and learning in parrots, drawing connections between avian and human communication. By combining acoustic analysis and experimental approaches, I hope to help our understanding of vocal learning and development in parrots. When I'm not studying, teaching, or doing research, I like to play video games and read.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Students
Dr. Benedict is on sabbatical for the 2025-26 Academic year and not supervising undergraduate students. Check back for future opportunities and more information about undergraduate research.
Lab Alumni
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students:
Leah Crenshaw - M.S. 2023 - Thesis: Analyzing grassland bird song and success at the landscape-level: the impact of landscape characteristics on Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta)
Karina Sanchez - Ph.D. 2022 - Dissertation: Effects of Noise, Light, and Landscape on Birds in a Recently Urbanized County
Braelei Hardt - M.S. 2020 - Thesis: Assessing the effects of habitat on bird song propagation.
Lorraine Dargis - M.S. 2020 - Thesis: Does population density affect the singing behavior of female canyon wrens (Catherpes mexicanus)?
Nadje Najar - Ph.D. 2018 - Dissertation: Geographic variation in rock wren song complexity
Stephanie Pitt - M.S. 2018 - Thesis: Why sing so many songs? Testing the significance of song repertoire size in rock wrens
TJ Hathcock - M.S. 2017 - Thesis: Vocal Coordination of Male and Female Canyon Wrens
Nora Covy - M.S. 2016 - Thesis: Rock Climbing and Avian Cliff Communities: The Effects of Climbing Use on Avian Diversity and Behavior in Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado
Nathanial Warning - M.S. 2014 - Thesis: Canyon and Rock Wren Coexistence in the Northern Colorado Foothills
Undergraduates:
Chris Walker, Alex Colpitts, Alex Charles, Amirah Brockington, Tahais Guererro-Rocha, Branden Lawson, Joelle Jenkins, Yessica Rodriguez, Kali Thompson, Abigail Hayes, Cameron Kennedy, Paul McPhail, Kasha Strong, Megan Heier, Nick Godlove, Devyn Bailey, Annie Lin, Hannah Best, Kelsey Eickelman, Rhaya Espe, Carissa King, Daynia Lashaway, Cynthia Murguia, Becky Nowak, Xuan Mai Phan, Anne Rose, Lauren Rudman, Nathan Sheppard, Christi Stuchel
Pictured: Nat Warning, Nora Covy, TJ Hathcock, Stephanie Pitt, Nadje Najar
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