Dr. Ben Vernasco

PHD FELLOW ALUMNI  |   Global Change Center

VT Alumni August 2019, Biological Sciences

Advisor: Dr. Ignacio Moore

Google Scholar  •  Website  •  benvernasco@gmail.com

Ben began his scientific career as an undergraduate at Humboldt State University (HSU). He earned his B.S. in Applied Vertebrate Ecology in the Spring of 2013. Prior to graduate school, he explored the Western Hemisphere while working various seasonal bird jobs for governmental organizations, universities, and non-governmental organizations.

Ben joined the Moore lab in the Fall of 2014 as a Ph.D. student and was co-advised by Dr. Brandt Ryder of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Ben is interested in understanding the proximate mechanisms underlying animal behavior, reproductive success, and survival. His work utilized a variety of field and lab techniques to study both captive and free-living organisms.

Ben completed his PhD in August of 2019.  His research investigated the mechanistic links between testosterone, social behavior, and social network structure in wire-tailed manakins. Ben currently has two appointments, one at a small liberal arts college and the other at a US Federal Agency. Specifically, he currently works as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Whitman College. Ben is also a Postdoctoral Fellow working with Adam Duarte at the Pacific Northwest Research Station. 

Last updated April 2024.