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Morrison takes a fresh approach to the study of microscopic killers: she combines new computational tools with traditional scientific methods.

A study led by Lydia Meyer ’14 and Bard biology professor Bruce Robertson finds that nesting in non-native shrubs does not negatively impact the nesting success of veery thrushes. When birds or other animals make choices that are harmful for themselves—by reducing their lifespan or reproductive success, for example—this is known as an “evolutionary trap.” While there is concern that birds that prefer to build their nests in non-native plant species will have less successful nests and risk falling into such a trap, the new study—published in The Condor: Ornithological Advances—found that not to be the case for veery thrushes (Catharus fuscescens) who preferred to nest in invasive shrubs in the forests of New York. Their nesting success was not adversely affected at all.