Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory

Nature of Research/Program Description: 

Our research program explores the sensory, cognitive, and behavioral ecology of marine mammals. The approach we apply to these areas is to study individuals in controlled and natural settings. Experiments conducted in the laboratory allow us to generate hypotheses about the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that enable animals to acquire, organize, and utilize various types of information. Observations made in the field allow us to see how perception and cognition are translated into behavior. Comparative studies in both settings help us to understand how ecological, evolutionary, and life history factors have influenced different marine mammal species.

Our program is powered by a group of hard working volunteer research assistants. These individuals typically work 12-15 hours per week in the laboratory and receive comprehensive training in all areas of the research program.

Keywords: pinniped; Long Marine Lab; sensory; behaviour; ecology; marine mammals; field; laboratory; comparative; volunteer; all year

Contact: Pinniped lab 

Faculty Director: Colleen Reichmuth

Location: 
Off-campus
Location Details: 
Long Marine Lab
Targeted Students: 
UCSC students in the natural, behavioral, or physical sciences, or to individuals with a background in computer sciences/engineering.
Program Time Period: 
All Year
Compensation: 
Volunteer
Details: 
10-15 hours a week
Approximate Number of UCSC Students (Each Year): 
10-15
Year Began: 
1985
Contact: 
Jenna Lofstrom
Contact Title: 
Laboratory Manager, Science Education Coordinator
Contact Email: 
pinnipedlab@gmail.com
Faculty Director: 
Colleen Reichmuth
Faculty Director Email: 
coll@ucsc.edu
Funding Source: 
Reports/Articles/Videos: 

Videos related to the research and individual animals.

Major(s): 
Applied Physics
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Bioengineering
Bioinformatics
Biology
Chemistry
Cognitive Science
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Studies
Human Biology
Marine Biology
Mathematics
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
Philosophy
Physics
Physics (Astrophysics)
Plant Sciences
Premedicine
Robotics Engineering
Technology and Information Management