CURRICULUM VITAE
Sarah A. Cowles, Ph.D.
scowles1(at)gmail.com
Education
Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2013-2019
Research Advisor: Dr. J. Albert C. Uy
M.S., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010-2013
Research Advisor: Dr. Robert M. Gibson
B.A., Biology Honors and Mathematics Honors, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Research Advisors: Dr. Jon E. Grinnell and Dr. Thomas P. LoFaro
IFSA-Butler Study Abroad Program, University of Queensland, Australia 2008
Publications
Cowles, S.A., C.C.Witt, E. Bonaccorso, F. Grewe, and J.A.C. Uy. 2022. Early stages of speciation with gene flow in the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilis amazilia)
subspecies complex of Western South America. Ecology and Evolution 12, e8895. pdf
Cowles, S.A., B.C. Weeks, L. Perrin, N. Chen, and J.A.C. Uy. 2021. Estimates of adult census size and effective population size support the need for continued
protection of two Solomon Island endemics. Emu 121, 45-54. website
Cowles, S.A., and Uy, J.A.C. 2019. Rapid, complete reproductive isolation in two closely-related Zosterops White-eye bird species despite broadly overlapping
ranges. Evolution 73, 1647-1662. website
Cowles, S.A., and Gibson, R.M. 2015. Displaying to females may lower male foraging time and vigilance in a lekking bird. The Auk: Ornithological
Advances 132, 82-91. pdf
Research Grants and Funding ($24,700 in total)
Van Tyne Research Award ($2500), American Ornithological Society, 2017
Grants-in-Aid of Research ($1000), Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2017
Kushlan Graduate Research Support Fund ($5680), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2015-2017
Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research ($5000), American Philosophical Society, 2016
Jay M. Savage Graduate Research Support Fund ($1300), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2014-2016
Dean's Summer Research Fellowship ($5000), College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, 2015
William H. Evoy Graduate Research Support Fund ($600), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2014-2015
Tinker Foundation Field Research Grant ($1620), Center for Latin American Studies, University of Miami, 2014
School of Biological Sciences Special Funds Travel Award ($950), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2012-2013
School of Biological Sciences Special Funds Research Fellowship ($2000), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2011
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
American Ornithological Society Conference Travel Award, 2018
James W. McLamore Fellowship in Tropical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2017
Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Service Award, University of Miami Graduate Student Association, 2017
First Place Poster Award, Department of Biology Graduate Symposium, University of Miami, 2016
University Graduate Fellowship, University of Miami, 2013-2017
Magna Cum Laude Honors, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
Named to Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
Named to Guild of St. Ansgar Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
President’s Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Norelius Service Award Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Paul Rucker Diversity Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement, University of Queensland, 2008
Dakota Electric Association Scholarship for Post-Secondary Education, 2005
Theses
Cowles, S.A. 2013. Trade-offs in male lek behavior. M.S. Thesis: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. 2009. The determination of lion (Panthera leo) formants using fourier (and wavelet) analysis to estimate vocal tract length. Biology and Mathematics Senior Honors Thesis: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
Poster Presentations
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2018. Consequences of secondary contact in the Kolombangara White-eyes. University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium,
Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2016. Population divergence and species limits in the New Georgia White-eyes. University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium,
Miami FL, USA. (*First place poster award)
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2015. The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia) subspecies complex.
University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium, Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2014. The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia) subspecies complex.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Bird Symposium, Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A., Tenhumberg, B. and Gibson, R.M. 2013. Examining how body condition alters optimal breeding strategies on the lek through a SDP model. 50th Animal Behavior Society Meeting, Boulder CO, USA.
Cowles, S.A. and Gibson, R.M. 2012. Lekking sharp-tailed grouse reduce head movements during courtship display. 49th Animal Behavior Society
Meeting, Albuquerque NM, USA.
Oral Presentations
Cowles, S.A. and Uy, J.A.C. April 2018. Genomic Consequences of Secondary Contact in the Kolombangara White-eyes. 136th American Ornithological Society
Conference, Tucson AZ, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Jan 2017. Dynamics of secondary contact between two Kolombangara White-eyes. University of Miami Graduate Symposium, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Nov 2016. Trade-offs in male lek behavior. Friday Seminar Series, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Feb 2015. The evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird. Center for Latin American Studies Graduate Research Symposium, University
of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Jan 2012. Balancing predation risk and mating opportunities in the sharp-tailed grouse. Research and Design Seminar, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. March 2011. The trade-offs between predation risk and mating success in the sharp-tailed grouse. Research and Design Seminar, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. May 2009. The application of fourier and wavelet analysis to sound: determining formants in lion vocalizations. Mathematics and Computer Science Departmental Seminar: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
Fieldwork Experience
Ph.D. Research: White-eye birds, Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, 2016-2017
Undergraduate Mentorship: Mockingbirds, Miami, FL, USA, 2015
Ph.D. Research: White-backed Fire-eye Antbirds and Amazilia Hummingbirds, 8 locations throughout Ecuador, 2014-2015
Field Research Assistant: Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Palmer, AK, USA (for Dr. Daizaburo Shizuka, Assistant Professor at University of
Nebraska-Lincoln), 2013
M.S. Research: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, NE, USA, 2011-2012
Field Research Assistant: Greenish Warblers and Hume's Warblers, Tigirek, Russia (for Dr. Elizabeth Scordato, 2012 Ph.D. University of Chicago), 2010
Teaching
BIL150 General Biology for the Advanced Program for Integrated Science and Math (PRISM), University of Miami (Fall 2016, 2017, 2018)
BIL 161 Evolution and Biodiversity Lab, University of Miami (Spring 2014, 2015, 2016)
BIOS 472 Evolution Recitation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Spring 2013)
BIOS 103L Organismic Biology Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Fall 2011, 2012; Spring 2012, 2013)
BIOS 422 Field Comparative Physiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Summer 2011, 2012)
BIOS 101L General Biology Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Fall 2010, Spring 2011)
BIO-201 Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Fall 2007, 2008)
BIO-102 Organismal Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Spring 2007)
BIO-101 Principles of Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Fall 2006, 2007)
Mentorship
First-year Biology Graduate Student Peer Mentor, 2017-2018
Science Made Sensible Graduate Mentorship Program, 2015-2018
Mentor for Undergraduate Honors Thesis: "Mockingbird Communication in an Urban Landscape," 2015-2016
Departmental Service
Secretary, Biology Graduate Student Organization (BGSO), 2017-2018
Graduate Student Representative, Biology Graduate Admissions and Advisory Committee (GAAC), University of Miami, 2015-2017
Poster Judge for Biology Graduate Symposium, University of Miami, 2017
Organizer for GAAC Biology Professional Development Seminars (2 per semester), University of Miami, 2015-2016
Biology Graduate Symposium Committee, University of Miami, 2014-2015
Biology Graduate Student Association, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010-2013
Co-president, Math and Computer Science Club, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007-2009
Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007-2009
Outreach
Lab Tour and Research Overview, Eighth Grade Field Trip, Georgia Jones Ayers Middle School, April 2017
Poster Award Judge, University of Miami Undergraduate Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum, April 2017
Bug Badge Group Leader, Girl Scout Naturalist Badge Day at University of Miami, March 2014, April 2015, April 2016
Avian Field Biologist, Exploring the Environmental Sciences Challenge, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, November 2015, March 2016
Project Judge, Miami-Dade STEM Regional Science Fair, January 2014
Group Leader, Women in Science Conference for High School Students at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, February 2013
Station Leader, Sunday with a Scientist: Eight-legged Encounters by Dr. Eileen Hebets at the University of Nebraska State Museum, February 2013
Study Buddies Program Volunteer, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2006-2009
Gustie Buddies Program Volunteer, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007
Manuscript Reviewer
Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Professional Training
Workshop on Population and Speciation Genomics in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, Jan-Feb 2018
Graduate School Professional Development Series: The Versatile PhD, November 2016
University of Miami R Workshop, January 2014
Animal Behavior Society Education Workshop, July 2011
Naturalist Intern, Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield MN, 2009-2010
Avian Nursery Intern, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, Roseville MN, 2009
Grading Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN, 2006-2009
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Biology Department, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN, 2006-2008
Professional Society Memberships
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Ornithological Society
Animal Behavior Society
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Society for the Study of Evolution
Sarah A. Cowles, Ph.D.
scowles1(at)gmail.com
Education
Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2013-2019
Research Advisor: Dr. J. Albert C. Uy
M.S., School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010-2013
Research Advisor: Dr. Robert M. Gibson
B.A., Biology Honors and Mathematics Honors, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Research Advisors: Dr. Jon E. Grinnell and Dr. Thomas P. LoFaro
IFSA-Butler Study Abroad Program, University of Queensland, Australia 2008
Publications
Cowles, S.A., C.C.Witt, E. Bonaccorso, F. Grewe, and J.A.C. Uy. 2022. Early stages of speciation with gene flow in the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilis amazilia)
subspecies complex of Western South America. Ecology and Evolution 12, e8895. pdf
Cowles, S.A., B.C. Weeks, L. Perrin, N. Chen, and J.A.C. Uy. 2021. Estimates of adult census size and effective population size support the need for continued
protection of two Solomon Island endemics. Emu 121, 45-54. website
Cowles, S.A., and Uy, J.A.C. 2019. Rapid, complete reproductive isolation in two closely-related Zosterops White-eye bird species despite broadly overlapping
ranges. Evolution 73, 1647-1662. website
Cowles, S.A., and Gibson, R.M. 2015. Displaying to females may lower male foraging time and vigilance in a lekking bird. The Auk: Ornithological
Advances 132, 82-91. pdf
Research Grants and Funding ($24,700 in total)
Van Tyne Research Award ($2500), American Ornithological Society, 2017
Grants-in-Aid of Research ($1000), Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2017
Kushlan Graduate Research Support Fund ($5680), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2015-2017
Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research ($5000), American Philosophical Society, 2016
Jay M. Savage Graduate Research Support Fund ($1300), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2014-2016
Dean's Summer Research Fellowship ($5000), College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, 2015
William H. Evoy Graduate Research Support Fund ($600), Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2014-2015
Tinker Foundation Field Research Grant ($1620), Center for Latin American Studies, University of Miami, 2014
School of Biological Sciences Special Funds Travel Award ($950), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2012-2013
School of Biological Sciences Special Funds Research Fellowship ($2000), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2011
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
American Ornithological Society Conference Travel Award, 2018
James W. McLamore Fellowship in Tropical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Miami, 2017
Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Service Award, University of Miami Graduate Student Association, 2017
First Place Poster Award, Department of Biology Graduate Symposium, University of Miami, 2016
University Graduate Fellowship, University of Miami, 2013-2017
Magna Cum Laude Honors, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
Named to Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
Named to Guild of St. Ansgar Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2009
President’s Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Norelius Service Award Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Paul Rucker Diversity Scholarship, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2005-2009
Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement, University of Queensland, 2008
Dakota Electric Association Scholarship for Post-Secondary Education, 2005
Theses
Cowles, S.A. 2013. Trade-offs in male lek behavior. M.S. Thesis: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. 2009. The determination of lion (Panthera leo) formants using fourier (and wavelet) analysis to estimate vocal tract length. Biology and Mathematics Senior Honors Thesis: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
Poster Presentations
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2018. Consequences of secondary contact in the Kolombangara White-eyes. University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium,
Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2016. Population divergence and species limits in the New Georgia White-eyes. University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium,
Miami FL, USA. (*First place poster award)
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2015. The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia) subspecies complex.
University of Miami Biology Graduate Symposium, Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S. A. and Uy, J. A. C. 2014. The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia) subspecies complex.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Bird Symposium, Miami FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A., Tenhumberg, B. and Gibson, R.M. 2013. Examining how body condition alters optimal breeding strategies on the lek through a SDP model. 50th Animal Behavior Society Meeting, Boulder CO, USA.
Cowles, S.A. and Gibson, R.M. 2012. Lekking sharp-tailed grouse reduce head movements during courtship display. 49th Animal Behavior Society
Meeting, Albuquerque NM, USA.
Oral Presentations
Cowles, S.A. and Uy, J.A.C. April 2018. Genomic Consequences of Secondary Contact in the Kolombangara White-eyes. 136th American Ornithological Society
Conference, Tucson AZ, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Jan 2017. Dynamics of secondary contact between two Kolombangara White-eyes. University of Miami Graduate Symposium, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Nov 2016. Trade-offs in male lek behavior. Friday Seminar Series, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Feb 2015. The evolutionary history of the Amazilia Hummingbird. Center for Latin American Studies Graduate Research Symposium, University
of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Cowles, S.A. Jan 2012. Balancing predation risk and mating opportunities in the sharp-tailed grouse. Research and Design Seminar, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. March 2011. The trade-offs between predation risk and mating success in the sharp-tailed grouse. Research and Design Seminar, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Cowles, S.A. May 2009. The application of fourier and wavelet analysis to sound: determining formants in lion vocalizations. Mathematics and Computer Science Departmental Seminar: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
Fieldwork Experience
Ph.D. Research: White-eye birds, Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, 2016-2017
Undergraduate Mentorship: Mockingbirds, Miami, FL, USA, 2015
Ph.D. Research: White-backed Fire-eye Antbirds and Amazilia Hummingbirds, 8 locations throughout Ecuador, 2014-2015
Field Research Assistant: Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Palmer, AK, USA (for Dr. Daizaburo Shizuka, Assistant Professor at University of
Nebraska-Lincoln), 2013
M.S. Research: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, NE, USA, 2011-2012
Field Research Assistant: Greenish Warblers and Hume's Warblers, Tigirek, Russia (for Dr. Elizabeth Scordato, 2012 Ph.D. University of Chicago), 2010
Teaching
BIL150 General Biology for the Advanced Program for Integrated Science and Math (PRISM), University of Miami (Fall 2016, 2017, 2018)
BIL 161 Evolution and Biodiversity Lab, University of Miami (Spring 2014, 2015, 2016)
BIOS 472 Evolution Recitation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Spring 2013)
BIOS 103L Organismic Biology Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Fall 2011, 2012; Spring 2012, 2013)
BIOS 422 Field Comparative Physiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Summer 2011, 2012)
BIOS 101L General Biology Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Fall 2010, Spring 2011)
BIO-201 Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Fall 2007, 2008)
BIO-102 Organismal Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Spring 2007)
BIO-101 Principles of Biology Lab, Gustavus Adolphus College (Fall 2006, 2007)
Mentorship
First-year Biology Graduate Student Peer Mentor, 2017-2018
Science Made Sensible Graduate Mentorship Program, 2015-2018
Mentor for Undergraduate Honors Thesis: "Mockingbird Communication in an Urban Landscape," 2015-2016
Departmental Service
Secretary, Biology Graduate Student Organization (BGSO), 2017-2018
Graduate Student Representative, Biology Graduate Admissions and Advisory Committee (GAAC), University of Miami, 2015-2017
Poster Judge for Biology Graduate Symposium, University of Miami, 2017
Organizer for GAAC Biology Professional Development Seminars (2 per semester), University of Miami, 2015-2016
Biology Graduate Symposium Committee, University of Miami, 2014-2015
Biology Graduate Student Association, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010-2013
Co-president, Math and Computer Science Club, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007-2009
Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007-2009
Outreach
Lab Tour and Research Overview, Eighth Grade Field Trip, Georgia Jones Ayers Middle School, April 2017
Poster Award Judge, University of Miami Undergraduate Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum, April 2017
Bug Badge Group Leader, Girl Scout Naturalist Badge Day at University of Miami, March 2014, April 2015, April 2016
Avian Field Biologist, Exploring the Environmental Sciences Challenge, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, November 2015, March 2016
Project Judge, Miami-Dade STEM Regional Science Fair, January 2014
Group Leader, Women in Science Conference for High School Students at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, February 2013
Station Leader, Sunday with a Scientist: Eight-legged Encounters by Dr. Eileen Hebets at the University of Nebraska State Museum, February 2013
Study Buddies Program Volunteer, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2006-2009
Gustie Buddies Program Volunteer, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2007
Manuscript Reviewer
Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Professional Training
Workshop on Population and Speciation Genomics in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, Jan-Feb 2018
Graduate School Professional Development Series: The Versatile PhD, November 2016
University of Miami R Workshop, January 2014
Animal Behavior Society Education Workshop, July 2011
Naturalist Intern, Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield MN, 2009-2010
Avian Nursery Intern, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, Roseville MN, 2009
Grading Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN, 2006-2009
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Biology Department, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN, 2006-2008
Professional Society Memberships
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Ornithological Society
Animal Behavior Society
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Society for the Study of Evolution