Skip to main
Lichen
George Mason University
Events

PhD Dissertation Defense - Environmental Science & Policy

Nov 18, 2025, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Exploratory Hall 3301 and virtual on Zoom. 
To join by Zoom, please register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/38aap67p 

PhD Dissertation
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University 

 

 

Candidate: Shawn Smith
Defense Date and Time: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 1:30pm
Defense Location: Exploratory Hall 3301 and virtual on Zoom (registration required)
Title: The effects of humans on avian survival and communication 

Dissertation Director: Dr. David Luther
Committee: Dr. Elizabeth Freeman, Dr. Geraldine Grant, and Dr. T. Reid Nelson 

 

 

ABSTRACT  

 

Humans affect birds worldwide through climate change and anthropogenic noise. This dissertation explores how changes in climate and weather patterns affect juvenile and adult birds with different diets. Additionally, I explore how anthropogenic noise affects bird communication in response to anthropogenic noise. Results reveal that survival varies by age and diet. Changes in precipitation affect insectivorous birds while extreme heat waves reduce the survival of granivorous and omnivorous birds. Using playback experiments, I found that birds commit communication errors, but not in response to anthropogenic noise. This research contributes to our understanding of the effects of humans on wildlife. 

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.