Appointments
2020-current. Assistant Professor, Term. Department of Biology, University of Louisville.
2017-2019. Postdoctoral Research Associate. Laboratory of Mark E. Hauber, Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Education
2011-2017. PhD in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Advisor: Distinguished Professor Ellen D. Ketterson.
2006-2010. B.A. in Human Ecology with concentration in Evolution and Animal Behavior. College of the Atlantic, 2010. Senior Thesis: “Personalities of Great Tits Parus major in the Wild”.
2004-2006. Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R. International Baccalaureate Diploma. Senior thesis: “Do Abiotic Factors Affect the Density of Decorator Sea Urchin (Salmacis sphaeroides)?”
1992-2004. Aizpute High School, Latvia.
1993-2000. Aizpute Music School, Latvia.
Research Grants
2016 Animal Behavior Society Research Grant ($1,000)
2016 American Ornithologists’ Union Research Award ($2,500)
2016 ASN Student Research Award ($2,000)
2016 NSF IOS DDIG ($14,280)
2015 Louise Constable Hoover Fellowship ($1,000)
2013 Indiana Academy of Science Senior Research Grant ($1,495)
2012 Frank M. Chapman Memorial Grant, American Museum of Natural History ($3,000)
2012 American Ornithologists’ Union Research Award ($2500)
Awards, Fellowships, and Scholarships
2020 AOS Katma Award for influential publication
2019 Institute for Genomic Biology Science Writer Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (declined)
2019 NSF Innovation Corps award
2018 International Society for Behavioral Ecology Postdoc Travel Award
2017 Willian J. Rowland Mentoring Award, Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior
2016 Elvin H. and Evelyn Hewins Scholarship, Indiana University
2016 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2015 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Travel Award
2015 Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award
2015 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2015 Margaret Walton Scholarship, Mountain Lake Biological Station, University of Virginia
2014 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2014 Margaret Walton Scholarship, Mountain Lake Biological Station, University of Virginia
2013 Cooper Ornithological Society A. Brazier Howell Best Student Presentation Award
2013 American Ornithologists' Union Student Travel Award
2013 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Travel Award
2012 Departmental Fellowship, Indiana University
2010 INBRE Academic-Year Fellowship. IDeA network of Biomedical Research Excellence
2007, 2010 Rabineau Professional Development Stipend, College of the Atlantic
2006-2010 Shelby Davis Scholarship, The Davis United World College Scholarship Program, College of the Atlantic
2008 Kathryn Davis International Advanced Studies Award, College of the Atlantic
2004-2006 Scholarship of merit, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong
Publications
Invited Seminars
2020 Guest Speaker, TriBeta Biology Honors Society, University of Louisville
2020 Seminar Speaker, University of Louisville
2019 Seminar Speaker, Ohio Wesleyan University
2018 Guest Lecturer, College of the Atlantic.
2018 Animal Biology Colloquium, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
2017 Presidential Symposium, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Canada.
2016 International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada.
2016 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology DCE Bio Blitz.
2015 Mountain Lake Biological Station Seminar. University of Virginia.
2015 Guest Lecturer, Hormones and Behavior Class. MLBS, University of Virginia.
2010 Commencement Student Speaker. College of the Atlantic.
Presentations: Talks (*mentored undergraduate students)
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. Glucocorticoid control of egg rejection in American robins. Midwestern Sensory Biology Conference, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. The hormonal basis of egg rejection. Animal Behavior Society Conference, Chicago, IL.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2017. Why is this sparrow the boss? 3 Minute Thesis competition, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Runner-up.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2017. Intrinsic and extrinsic state interact with stressors to regulate territorial behavior. Presidential Symposium, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, New Orleans, LA.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Physiological and ecological drivers of the relationship between corticosterone and testosterone. International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Effect of risk on territorial behavior depends on condition but not competition. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Wadleigh, R.L., *Scher, C.L., Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Competition changes courtship behaviors of male Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M. Hanauer, R., Rosvall, K.A., Peterson, M.P., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Stress response in the gonad. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR. Invited to Best Student Presentation Competition.
*Fogliano, R., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Predator-induced plasticity of territorial aggression in male Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. How does territorial aggression change in response to stressors in wild birds? CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Hanauer, R., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Corticosterone response to acute stress is lower in birds exposed to frequent disturbance: comparing Dark-eyed Juncos in urban habitats and aviary disturbance treatment. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2014. Departmental Seminar. A Tale of Two Cities: Shift in Behavior and Physiology following colonization of an urban environment. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk and behavioral plasticity American Society of Naturalists meeting, Asilomar CA.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Austin TX.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2013. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk. American Ornithologists’ Union/Cooper Ornithological Society meeting, Chicago, IL. COS Best Student Presentation award.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Krams, I. 2010. Personalities of Great Tits in the Wild [Talk]. COS/AOU/SCO meeting, San Diego CA.
Presentations: Posters (*mentored undergraduate students)
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. Endocrine correlates of host responses to brood parasitic eggs. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., Hanley, D., Moskát, C., Grim, T., Hauber, M.E. 2018. Egg rejection by a brood parasite host is based on color differencesacross a natural color gradient. ISBE meeting, Minneapolis, USA.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. North American Ornithological Conference, Washington, DC.
*Kassab, H.D., *Fitzpatrick, K.D., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Scher, C.L., *Wadleigh, R.L., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. The effect of competition on male courting songs in Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Wadleigh, R.L., *Scher, C.L., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Competition changes courtship behaviors of male Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Kassab, H.D., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Melanin-based feather ornaments in birds: an investigation of hormone receptor sensitivity. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Kassab, H., *Sheppard, T., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Does sensitivity to sex hormones explain variation in a plumage ornament? CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Kassab, H., *Sheppard, T., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Does sensitivity to sex hormones explain variation in a plumage ornament? Indiana Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Flexibility of territorial aggression: life-history and physiological correlates. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, West Palm Beach, FL.
*Hope, S.F., Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Stress affects aggression differently in urban and montane songbirds. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Austin TX.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2013. Interaction between HPA and HPG axes in two rapidly diverging Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis thurberi) populations. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, San Francisco CA.
Peterson, M.P., Atwell, J.W., Mila, B., Abolins-Abols, M., Rice, R.J., and Ketterson, E.D. 2012. Candidate genes and rapidly evolving migratory behavior in the genus Junco. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Charleston SC.
Abolins-Abols, M., Turner, L., Trachtulec, Z., and Petkov, P. 2011. Extraordinary Diversity of the Recombination-Positioning Gene Prdm9 in Wild Mouse Populations. Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium, Bar Harbor ME.
Abolins-Abols, M., Cyr, J., Jenkins, P., Little, N., Negoita, L., Smith, P., Wondimu, Y., and Wray, C. 2009. The Effect of Copper on Gene Regulation in Fundulus heteroclitus. Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium, Bar Harbor ME.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2007. Great Black Back Gull Predation on Common Eider Ducklings on Great Duck Island. International Waterbird Society meeting, Barcelona, Spain.
Teaching and Pedagogy Experience
Classes taught
2020 Introductory Biology: Unity of Life, University of Louisville.
2020 Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville.
2020 Introductory Biology: Diversity of Life, University of Louisville.
2019 Evolution of Molecules and Cells, University of Illinois.
2019 Honors Organismal Biology, University of Illinois.
Workshops
2020 Seminar on Teaching for New Faculty, University of Louisville
2019 Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching, University of Illinois.
Teaching Assistant
2013, 2016 Associate Instructor: Biology of Birds, Indiana University.
2014 Associate Instructor: Honors Evolution, Indiana University.
2011, 2013 Head Associate Instructor: Biology Laboratory, Indiana University.
2012 Associate Instructor: Evolution, Indiana University.
2010 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Chaos and Fractals, College of the Atlantic.
2009 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Physics I, College of the Atlantic.
2008 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Ecology, College of the Atlantic.
2007, 2008, 2009 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in “Islands Through Time” summer program. College of the Atlantic.
Mentoring
2020-current. Savera Hamid (University of Louisville). Project: Effect of long- and short-term stressors on gene expression in brain.
2017-2019. Nikki Huynh (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Effect of long- and short-term stressors on gene expression in brain. Achievements: University of Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research grant ($2000) for work on stress signaling in the brain.
2018. Brett Studer (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Developing heart rate measuring tools for free-living birds.
2018. Kira Pilate-Jean (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Sex ratios in Brown-heard Cowbird.
2015-2016. Jessica Bryant (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Effect of stress on reproductive signaling in the brain.
2015-2016. Kevin Fitzpatrick (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
2014-2016. Hannah Kassab (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development. Achievements: Hutton Honors College grant ($1000) for work on feather color development.
2015. Rachel Wadleigh (Earlham College). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Competition on Courtship Behavior.
2015. Lane Scher (University of Virginia). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Competition on Courtship Behavior.
2015. Thomas Sheppard (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
2014. Rose Fogliano (Gettysburg College). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Predation risk on Aggression.
2013. Sydney Hope (now graduate student in biology at Virginia Tech). NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates student. Project: Effect of Stress on Reproduction.
2012-2013. Kathleen DeBrota (Indiana University). STARS program, Indiana University. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
Outreach
2019. Love - it's for the birds. Invited speaker, Siebel Center for Design Loveapalooza event, UIUC
2018. UIUC Research News: Playing a parasite for science
2018. Job shadowing mentor for high school students, Urbana, IN
2017. WonderCamp. University City Elementary School, Bloomington, IN
2016. What can we learn from birds about oursevles. Invited speaker, TEDx Riga 2016
2014, 2015. Outreach video and posters for Mountain Lake Biological Station
2014, 2015. Bird Lab, Open House at Mountain Lake Biological Station
2014. Science project mentor. Harmony High School, Bloomington, IN
2014. Science Fair judge. Brown County High School, Nashville, IN
2013. Science article about game theory and cooperation in Latvian online magazine “Politika.lv”
2012. Science activities. Templeton Elementary School, Bloomington, IN
2010. “Why Are There Animal Personalities”. Bachelor’s Thesis presentation for the general public. College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
2009. “Seabird Research on Great Duck Island”. Research presentation to high school students. Bucksport High School, Bucksport, ME
Service
2018. Student presentation judge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2018. Recruitment Committee, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2012, 2016. Organization of Graduate Recruitment Weekend, Indiana University
2013 - 2015. Organization of Animal Behavior Conference, Indiana University
2015. Co-organizer of Jim Goodson Memorial Symposium, Indiana University
2014. Organization of Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Indiana University
2014. Faculty Recruitment Committee, Indiana University
2014. Volunteer organizer for American Society for Naturalists meeting, Asilomar, CA
Society Memberships
AOU, ABS, ISBE
Journal Reviews
Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Ethology
The American Naturalist
Scientific Reports
Functional Ecology
Other (early) Research
2010-2011. Full time research assistant to Drs. K. Paigen and P.M. Petkov. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME. Research on the evolution & molecular biology of genetic recombination.
2010. Independent Study. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME. Supervisor Dr. P.M. Petkov. Research on the evolution & molecular biology of genetic recombination.
2009. Senior thesis. Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils, Latvia. Supervisors Drs. I. Krams and J.T.G. Anderson. Research on songbird personalities in the wild.
2009. Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME. Supervisor Dr. C. Wray. Short course on environmental toxicogenomics in Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus.
2008. Edward Mc. C. Blair Marine Research Station, College of the Atlantic, Mount Desert Rock, ME. Supervisor J.G.T. Anderson. Research on avian distribution and diurnal movement patterns.
2008. Internship. Laboratory of Ornithology, University of Latvia, Latvia. Supervisor O. Keiss. Study of field techniques in ornithology.
2007. Volunteer in LIFE Project “Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Baltic Sea”. Latvia. Seabird survey.
2007. Alice Eno Research Station, College of the Atlantic, Great Duck Island, ME. Supervisor Dr. J.G.T. Anderson. Research on predatory behavior of Great Black-Backed Gulls Larus marinus.
2004-2006. Coral Monitoring Volunteer. Li Po Chun United World College, Hong Kong. Coral reef mapping, coral surveys & identification.
2020-current. Assistant Professor, Term. Department of Biology, University of Louisville.
2017-2019. Postdoctoral Research Associate. Laboratory of Mark E. Hauber, Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Education
2011-2017. PhD in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Advisor: Distinguished Professor Ellen D. Ketterson.
2006-2010. B.A. in Human Ecology with concentration in Evolution and Animal Behavior. College of the Atlantic, 2010. Senior Thesis: “Personalities of Great Tits Parus major in the Wild”.
2004-2006. Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R. International Baccalaureate Diploma. Senior thesis: “Do Abiotic Factors Affect the Density of Decorator Sea Urchin (Salmacis sphaeroides)?”
1992-2004. Aizpute High School, Latvia.
1993-2000. Aizpute Music School, Latvia.
Research Grants
2016 Animal Behavior Society Research Grant ($1,000)
2016 American Ornithologists’ Union Research Award ($2,500)
2016 ASN Student Research Award ($2,000)
2016 NSF IOS DDIG ($14,280)
2015 Louise Constable Hoover Fellowship ($1,000)
2013 Indiana Academy of Science Senior Research Grant ($1,495)
2012 Frank M. Chapman Memorial Grant, American Museum of Natural History ($3,000)
2012 American Ornithologists’ Union Research Award ($2500)
Awards, Fellowships, and Scholarships
2020 AOS Katma Award for influential publication
2019 Institute for Genomic Biology Science Writer Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (declined)
2019 NSF Innovation Corps award
2018 International Society for Behavioral Ecology Postdoc Travel Award
2017 Willian J. Rowland Mentoring Award, Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior
2016 Elvin H. and Evelyn Hewins Scholarship, Indiana University
2016 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2015 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Travel Award
2015 Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award
2015 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2015 Margaret Walton Scholarship, Mountain Lake Biological Station, University of Virginia
2014 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Fellowship, Indiana University
2014 Margaret Walton Scholarship, Mountain Lake Biological Station, University of Virginia
2013 Cooper Ornithological Society A. Brazier Howell Best Student Presentation Award
2013 American Ornithologists' Union Student Travel Award
2013 Center for Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Travel Award
2012 Departmental Fellowship, Indiana University
2010 INBRE Academic-Year Fellowship. IDeA network of Biomedical Research Excellence
2007, 2010 Rabineau Professional Development Stipend, College of the Atlantic
2006-2010 Shelby Davis Scholarship, The Davis United World College Scholarship Program, College of the Atlantic
2008 Kathryn Davis International Advanced Studies Award, College of the Atlantic
2004-2006 Scholarship of merit, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong
Publications
- Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2020. Endocrine regulation of egg rejection in an avian brood parasite host. Biology Letters 16:20200225.
- Hauber, M.E., Abolins-Abols, M., Kim, C.R, and Paitz, R.T. 2020. Inter-individual variation in anti-parasitic egg rejection behavior: a test of the maternal investment hypothesis. Integrative Organismal Biology 2:obaa014
- Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2020. Proximate Predictors of Variation in Egg Rejection Behavior by Hosts of Avian Brood Parasites. Journal of Comparative Psychology. Advance online publication
- Manna, T. J., Hanley, D., Honza, M., Capek, M., Rutila, J., Samaš, P., Abolins-Abols, M., Hauber, M. E. 2020. Fitting different visual models to behavioral patterns of parasitic egg rejection along a natural egg color gradient in a cavity-nesting host species. Vision Research 167:54–59.
- Abolins-Abols. M., Hanley, D., Moskát, C., Grim, T., Hauber, M.E. 2019. Anti-parasitic egg rejection by great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) tracks differences along an eggshell color gradient. Behavioural Processes 166:1039022
- Bauer C.M.,Fudickar, A.M., Abolins-Abols M., Atwell, J.W., Ketterson, E.D., Greives, T.J. 2018. Seasonally sympatric but allochronic: differential expression of hypothalamic genes in a songbird during gonadal development. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: 285 20181735
- Abolins-Abols M., Kornobis E., Ribeca P., Wakamatsu K., Peterson M.P., Ketterson E., Mila B. 2018. Differential gene regulation underlies variation in melanic plumage coloration in the dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). Molecular Ecology: 27:4501-4515
- Abolins-Abols, M., Hauber, M.E. 2018. Host defenses against avian brood parasitism: an endocrine perspective. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 285: 20180980. *cover art for the issue
- Abolins-Abols, M., Hanauer, R.E., Rosvall, K.A., Peterson, M.P., Ketterson, E.D. 2018. The effect of chronic and acute stressors, and their interaction, on testes function: an experimental test during testicular recrudescence. Journal of Experimental Biology 221: jeb180869.
- Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2018. Applying the framework and concepts of parasitology to avian brood parasitism: a comment on Avilés. Behavioral Ecology 29:520-521.
- Bauer C.M., Graham, J.L., Abolins-Abols, M., Heidinger, B.J., Ketterson, E.D, Greives, T.J. 2018. Chronological and biological age predict seasonal reproductive timing: an investigation of clutch initiation and telomeres in birds of known age. The American Naturalist 191:777-782.
- Fudickar, A.M., Greives, T.J., Abolins-Abols, M., Atwell, J.W., Meddle, S.L., Friis, G., Stricker, C.A., Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Mechanisms associated with an advance in the ti ming of seasonal reproduction in an urban songbird. Frontiers of Ecology and Evolution. doi:
- 10.3389/fevo.2017.00085.
- Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Condition but not social environment explains individual variation in mobbing behavior. Ethology.
- Abolins-Abols, M., Hope F.S., and Ketterson E.D. 2016. Effect of acute stressor on reproductive behaviour differs between urban and rural birds. Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1002/ece3.2347
- Krams, I., Vrublevska, J., Sepp, T., Abolins-Abols, M., Rantala, M.J., Mierauskas, P., and Krama, T. 2014. Sex-Specific Associations Between Nest Defence, Exploration and Breathing Rate in Breeding Pied Flycatchers. Ethology 120:1–10.
- Krams, I., Kokko, H., Vrublevska, J., Āboliņš-Ābols, M., Krama, T., and Rantala, M.J. 2013. The excuse principle can maintain cooperation through forgivable defection in the Prisoner's Dilemma game. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B. (doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.1475).
- Peterson, M.P., Abolins-Abols, M., Atwell, J.W., Rice, R.J., Milá, B., and Ketterson, E.D. 2013. Variation in candidate genes CLOCK and ADCYAP1 does not consistently predict differences in migratory behavior in the songbird genus Junco. F1000Research 2013, 2:115 (doi: 10.12688/f1000research.2-115.v1).
- Krams, I., Suraka, V., Rattiste, K., Abolins-Abols, M., Krama, T., Rantala, MJ., Mierauskas, P., Cirule, D., and Saks, L. 2012. Comparative analysis reveals a possible immunity-related absence of blood parasites in common gulls (Larus canus) and black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). Journal of Ornithology 153:1245-1252.
- Krams, I., Daukste, J., Kivleniece, I., Brumelis, G., Cibulskis, R., Abolins-Abols, M., Rantala, M.J., Mierauskas, P., and Krama, T. 2012. Drought-induced positive feedback in xylophagous insects: easier invasion of Scots pine leading to greater investment in immunity of emerging individuals. Forest Ecology and Management 270:147-152.
Invited Seminars
2020 Guest Speaker, TriBeta Biology Honors Society, University of Louisville
2020 Seminar Speaker, University of Louisville
2019 Seminar Speaker, Ohio Wesleyan University
2018 Guest Lecturer, College of the Atlantic.
2018 Animal Biology Colloquium, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
2017 Presidential Symposium, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Canada.
2016 International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada.
2016 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology DCE Bio Blitz.
2015 Mountain Lake Biological Station Seminar. University of Virginia.
2015 Guest Lecturer, Hormones and Behavior Class. MLBS, University of Virginia.
2010 Commencement Student Speaker. College of the Atlantic.
Presentations: Talks (*mentored undergraduate students)
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. Glucocorticoid control of egg rejection in American robins. Midwestern Sensory Biology Conference, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. The hormonal basis of egg rejection. Animal Behavior Society Conference, Chicago, IL.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2017. Why is this sparrow the boss? 3 Minute Thesis competition, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Runner-up.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2017. Intrinsic and extrinsic state interact with stressors to regulate territorial behavior. Presidential Symposium, 54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, New Orleans, LA.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Physiological and ecological drivers of the relationship between corticosterone and testosterone. International Symposium of Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Effect of risk on territorial behavior depends on condition but not competition. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Wadleigh, R.L., *Scher, C.L., Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Competition changes courtship behaviors of male Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M. Hanauer, R., Rosvall, K.A., Peterson, M.P., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Stress response in the gonad. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR. Invited to Best Student Presentation Competition.
*Fogliano, R., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Predator-induced plasticity of territorial aggression in male Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. How does territorial aggression change in response to stressors in wild birds? CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Hanauer, R., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Corticosterone response to acute stress is lower in birds exposed to frequent disturbance: comparing Dark-eyed Juncos in urban habitats and aviary disturbance treatment. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2014. Departmental Seminar. A Tale of Two Cities: Shift in Behavior and Physiology following colonization of an urban environment. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk and behavioral plasticity American Society of Naturalists meeting, Asilomar CA.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Austin TX.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2013. Shift in a life history trade-off linked with change in hormonal cross-talk. American Ornithologists’ Union/Cooper Ornithological Society meeting, Chicago, IL. COS Best Student Presentation award.
Abolins-Abols, M. and Krams, I. 2010. Personalities of Great Tits in the Wild [Talk]. COS/AOU/SCO meeting, San Diego CA.
Presentations: Posters (*mentored undergraduate students)
Abolins-Abols, M. and Hauber, M.E. 2019. Endocrine correlates of host responses to brood parasitic eggs. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., Hanley, D., Moskát, C., Grim, T., Hauber, M.E. 2018. Egg rejection by a brood parasite host is based on color differencesacross a natural color gradient. ISBE meeting, Minneapolis, USA.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2017. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., *Kassab, H.D., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. North American Ornithological Conference, Washington, DC.
*Kassab, H.D., *Fitzpatrick, K.D., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Hormone and melanocyte signaling in a social feather ornament. CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Scher, C.L., *Wadleigh, R.L., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. The effect of competition on male courting songs in Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Wadleigh, R.L., *Scher, C.L., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Competition changes courtship behaviors of male Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis). Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Kassab, H.D., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2016. Melanin-based feather ornaments in birds: an investigation of hormone receptor sensitivity. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Portland, OR.
*Kassab, H., *Sheppard, T., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Does sensitivity to sex hormones explain variation in a plumage ornament? CISAB Animal Behavior Conference, Bloomington, IN.
*Kassab, H., *Sheppard, T., Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Does sensitivity to sex hormones explain variation in a plumage ornament? Indiana Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2015. Flexibility of territorial aggression: life-history and physiological correlates. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, West Palm Beach, FL.
*Hope, S.F., Abolins-Abols, M. and Ketterson, E.D. 2014. Stress affects aggression differently in urban and montane songbirds. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Austin TX.
Abolins-Abols, M., and Ketterson, E.D. 2013. Interaction between HPA and HPG axes in two rapidly diverging Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis thurberi) populations. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, San Francisco CA.
Peterson, M.P., Atwell, J.W., Mila, B., Abolins-Abols, M., Rice, R.J., and Ketterson, E.D. 2012. Candidate genes and rapidly evolving migratory behavior in the genus Junco. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting, Charleston SC.
Abolins-Abols, M., Turner, L., Trachtulec, Z., and Petkov, P. 2011. Extraordinary Diversity of the Recombination-Positioning Gene Prdm9 in Wild Mouse Populations. Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium, Bar Harbor ME.
Abolins-Abols, M., Cyr, J., Jenkins, P., Little, N., Negoita, L., Smith, P., Wondimu, Y., and Wray, C. 2009. The Effect of Copper on Gene Regulation in Fundulus heteroclitus. Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium, Bar Harbor ME.
Abolins-Abols, M. 2007. Great Black Back Gull Predation on Common Eider Ducklings on Great Duck Island. International Waterbird Society meeting, Barcelona, Spain.
Teaching and Pedagogy Experience
Classes taught
2020 Introductory Biology: Unity of Life, University of Louisville.
2020 Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville.
2020 Introductory Biology: Diversity of Life, University of Louisville.
2019 Evolution of Molecules and Cells, University of Illinois.
2019 Honors Organismal Biology, University of Illinois.
Workshops
2020 Seminar on Teaching for New Faculty, University of Louisville
2019 Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching, University of Illinois.
Teaching Assistant
2013, 2016 Associate Instructor: Biology of Birds, Indiana University.
2014 Associate Instructor: Honors Evolution, Indiana University.
2011, 2013 Head Associate Instructor: Biology Laboratory, Indiana University.
2012 Associate Instructor: Evolution, Indiana University.
2010 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Chaos and Fractals, College of the Atlantic.
2009 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Physics I, College of the Atlantic.
2008 Undergraduate Teacher Assistant: Ecology, College of the Atlantic.
2007, 2008, 2009 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in “Islands Through Time” summer program. College of the Atlantic.
Mentoring
2020-current. Savera Hamid (University of Louisville). Project: Effect of long- and short-term stressors on gene expression in brain.
2017-2019. Nikki Huynh (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Effect of long- and short-term stressors on gene expression in brain. Achievements: University of Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research grant ($2000) for work on stress signaling in the brain.
2018. Brett Studer (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Developing heart rate measuring tools for free-living birds.
2018. Kira Pilate-Jean (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign). Project: Sex ratios in Brown-heard Cowbird.
2015-2016. Jessica Bryant (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Effect of stress on reproductive signaling in the brain.
2015-2016. Kevin Fitzpatrick (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
2014-2016. Hannah Kassab (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development. Achievements: Hutton Honors College grant ($1000) for work on feather color development.
2015. Rachel Wadleigh (Earlham College). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Competition on Courtship Behavior.
2015. Lane Scher (University of Virginia). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Competition on Courtship Behavior.
2015. Thomas Sheppard (Indiana University). Undergraduate research assistant. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
2014. Rose Fogliano (Gettysburg College). MLBS NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Project: Effect of Predation risk on Aggression.
2013. Sydney Hope (now graduate student in biology at Virginia Tech). NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates student. Project: Effect of Stress on Reproduction.
2012-2013. Kathleen DeBrota (Indiana University). STARS program, Indiana University. Project: Hormonal Control of Feather Color Development.
Outreach
2019. Love - it's for the birds. Invited speaker, Siebel Center for Design Loveapalooza event, UIUC
2018. UIUC Research News: Playing a parasite for science
2018. Job shadowing mentor for high school students, Urbana, IN
2017. WonderCamp. University City Elementary School, Bloomington, IN
2016. What can we learn from birds about oursevles. Invited speaker, TEDx Riga 2016
2014, 2015. Outreach video and posters for Mountain Lake Biological Station
2014, 2015. Bird Lab, Open House at Mountain Lake Biological Station
2014. Science project mentor. Harmony High School, Bloomington, IN
2014. Science Fair judge. Brown County High School, Nashville, IN
2013. Science article about game theory and cooperation in Latvian online magazine “Politika.lv”
2012. Science activities. Templeton Elementary School, Bloomington, IN
2010. “Why Are There Animal Personalities”. Bachelor’s Thesis presentation for the general public. College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
2009. “Seabird Research on Great Duck Island”. Research presentation to high school students. Bucksport High School, Bucksport, ME
Service
2018. Student presentation judge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2018. Recruitment Committee, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2012, 2016. Organization of Graduate Recruitment Weekend, Indiana University
2013 - 2015. Organization of Animal Behavior Conference, Indiana University
2015. Co-organizer of Jim Goodson Memorial Symposium, Indiana University
2014. Organization of Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Indiana University
2014. Faculty Recruitment Committee, Indiana University
2014. Volunteer organizer for American Society for Naturalists meeting, Asilomar, CA
Society Memberships
AOU, ABS, ISBE
Journal Reviews
Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Ethology
The American Naturalist
Scientific Reports
Functional Ecology
Other (early) Research
2010-2011. Full time research assistant to Drs. K. Paigen and P.M. Petkov. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME. Research on the evolution & molecular biology of genetic recombination.
2010. Independent Study. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME. Supervisor Dr. P.M. Petkov. Research on the evolution & molecular biology of genetic recombination.
2009. Senior thesis. Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils, Latvia. Supervisors Drs. I. Krams and J.T.G. Anderson. Research on songbird personalities in the wild.
2009. Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME. Supervisor Dr. C. Wray. Short course on environmental toxicogenomics in Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus.
2008. Edward Mc. C. Blair Marine Research Station, College of the Atlantic, Mount Desert Rock, ME. Supervisor J.G.T. Anderson. Research on avian distribution and diurnal movement patterns.
2008. Internship. Laboratory of Ornithology, University of Latvia, Latvia. Supervisor O. Keiss. Study of field techniques in ornithology.
2007. Volunteer in LIFE Project “Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Baltic Sea”. Latvia. Seabird survey.
2007. Alice Eno Research Station, College of the Atlantic, Great Duck Island, ME. Supervisor Dr. J.G.T. Anderson. Research on predatory behavior of Great Black-Backed Gulls Larus marinus.
2004-2006. Coral Monitoring Volunteer. Li Po Chun United World College, Hong Kong. Coral reef mapping, coral surveys & identification.