BSc (2008), Langston University
PhD (2015), Oklahoma State University
NSF Graduate Research Fellow
NSF OK-LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Fellow
Currently: MD (Pediatrics), University of Kansas
Research Interests:
Effects of anthropogenic stressors on animals; Ecotoxicology, Neuroendocrinology, Ethology
Specific Interests:
My research is focused on the relationship between anthropogenic contaminants and behavior. More specifically, I am interested in the effects of heavy metals on affiliative and aggressive behaviors in the monogamous rodent Microtus ochrogaster.
Papers (from the lab):
Blocker TD & Ophir AG (2015) Social recognition in paired, but not single, male prairie voles. Animal Behaviour. 108, 1-8. [Highlighted by: National Geographic, and Science News]
Blocker TD & Ophir AG (2013) Cryptic confounding compounds: A brief consideration of the influences of anthropogenic contaminants on courtship and mating behavior. Acta Ethologica. 16, 105-125. [One of the 10 most downloaded papers in 2013]
| Undergrads | Date Joined |
| Forrest Rogers | 2011-2013 (PhD, Univ California, Davis) |
| Tara Elliot | 2012 (MS, Oklahoma State Univ) |
| Holly Wehde | 2012 (MS, Oklahoma State Univ) |
| Mino Aketa (OK INBRE – IDeA) | 2011 |
| Brittany Stoutermire (LINC – LU – NSF) | 2012 |
| Kasi Gordon | 2009-2010 |