Josephine Whelan

Fulbright/University of Exeter Award

Josephine Whelan graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences from Florida State University. Her passion for animal behaviour was cemented during a Research Experience for Undergraduates program in Panama, where she researched avian dance perch manipulation and behaviour. She is broadly interested in the interplay between social behaviour, parental care, and offspring condition across changing landscapes. At the University of Exeter, Josephine will complete an MSc in Evolution, Behaviour, and Ecology, while researching parental care and cognition in a social corvid. This Fulbright award will grant her the opportunity to participate in a well-renowned international animal cognition group, while teaching her to integrate behavioural data with wildlife management decisions, including managing human wildlife conflict and animal reintroduction programs. Outside of research, Josephine engages in science education through groups like SEEDS ESA, which exposes diverse groups of people to various topics in ecology and environmental science. She is enthusiastic about exploring Cornwall’s natural areas and educating younger students about ecological and behavioural research.