Jay Margolis

IGC FELLOW    |   Global Change Center

Ph.D. Student  •  Biological Sciences

Advisor : Dr. Ignacio Moore

Research Interests: Evolutionary biology, behavior and coloration in birds, the evolution of sexual dimorphism and social signaling

jaymargolis@vt.edu  •  Google Scholar  •  LinkedIn

Jay is a Ph.D. student in Dr. Ignacio Moore's lab where they are researching how color, specifically sexual dichromatism, relates to behavior in birds. Their current research addresses the phenomenon of ultraviolet coloration in owls, and the potential evolutionary influences that lead to color differences between sexes in birds. Jay received their Bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in environmental science, as well as a minor in studio art, from Chatham University in 2020. 

During their Bachelor's and prior to joining the Moore lab, Jay conducted research at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, in ornithology, paleontology, and science communication in museums. In addition to scientific research, Jay aims to make the biological sciences more accessible to the LGBTQ+ community through increasing scientific literacy and science communication. They also hope to work with educational institutions such as museums in order to ensure accuracy in how animal behavior is portrayed to the public. 

Jay looks forward to making connections with scientists in other fields to increase the depth of their research, as well as continuing to engage in science communication.