Brad Heller

I am currently working on a Masters degree in Wildlife Biology under Dave Otis. My position in the Coop Unit is loosely defined as statistical support for the Iowa DNR. The goals of this position are to offer statistical and analytical support for various DNR projects, and to receive training in the field of wildlife biometrics. One of the projects I am working on with the Iowa DNR is addressing the issue of declining Northern Bobwhite populations in Iowa over the past century and relating this to land use changes that have occurred over this time period. The purpose of this analysis is to identify landscape features that are associated with the declining populations.

I am also helping Dave Otis with the organization and analysis of Mourning Dove banding data, which has been a project of his for some time. The project is aimed towards investigating the survival and movement of Mourning Doves throughout the country. An ultimate goal of this project is to help implement a national Mourning Dove monitoring program which will improve the ability of managers to develop and apply conservation efforts for the species.

My interests lie in the general field of wildlife conservation, although I am particularly fond of topics concerning birds and mammals. My career objective is to eventually work with a state agency and address relevant conservation issues on a variety of wildlife species.