Emily S. Sperou
Welcome to my website! and thanks for your interest. Im Emily S. Sperou. I am a fourth-year Biology PhD candidate at Baylor University (almost done!). I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science (cum laude) in Biology with an emphasis in marine biology at Sonoma State University, followed by a Master of Science degree in Physiological Ecology. My research focuses on understanding behavioral flexibility in the ecology and physiology of marine mammals. I use various marine mammal tissues (bone, hair, whiskers, blood, among others) and employs stable isotope and hormone analyses to investigate diet, stress responses, reproductive strategies, and overall physiological adaptations to their environment. My current research combines behavioral observations, anatomy, and physiology of a poorly studied apex predator-The leopard seal-to elucidate reproductive patterns.
I hope you enjoy visiting my website. you can explore more in depth my scientific work (Research), fieldwork experience (Fieldwork), and the service to profession I provide as well as extracurricular work I do with underrepresented groups in the US (Service & Outreach). Please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss more about my research.
Best,
Emily
Año Nuevo State Park, USA
Northern Elephant Seal Research (2018-2020)
San Rafael National Park, Chile
Leopard seals Research (2022-2023)
Parry Fjord, Almirantazgo Sound, Chile
Searching for Leopard seals in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, (2023)
Natural History Museum of Rio Seco, Punta Arenas
Skull samples collection from museums around the World (Ongoing research)