Theses and Dissertations

The University of Maine Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) project is a joint effort of Fogler Library and the Graduate School. Our goals are “to improve graduate education, increase sharing of knowledge, help universities build their information infrastructure, and extend the value of digital libraries,” in keeping with those of the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, a national initiative of which the University of Maine is a member.

This online collection features the final theses and dissertations approved by the Graduate School of the University of Maine.

Click here for more information.

2024

Berigan, Liam A., “Full Annual Cycle Analysis of American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Distribution, Habitat Use, and Migration Ecology” (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3941.

Filiberti, Emily, “Spatial and Demographic Variations in Apparent Annual Survival of Golden-Winged Warblers: a Range-Wide Investigation” (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3998.

Leach, Megan E., “Implementing Innovative Conservation Tools: Lessons Learned From Maine’s Vernal Pool Special Area Management Plan” (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3924.

2023

Atkinson, Ernest J., “Optimizing Strategies To Hydraulically Plant Atlantic Salmon Eggs Based On Fry Dispersal Patterns” (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3762.

Heilakka, Christopher C., “Do Talus Slopes Provide Hibernacula Resources for Bats in Maine? Site Characteristics Associated With Winter Occupancy and Sampling Design” (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3867.

Katz, Lara S., “Integrating Environmental DNA, Traditional Fisheries Techniques, and Species Distribution Modeling to Assess Bridle Shiner Status in Maine” (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3855.

Snyder, Shawn D., “Identification and Vulnerability Assessment of Groundwater Influenced Ecosystems in the Northeastern United States” (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3845.

2022

Peterson, Erin.  2022.   “The Long-term Impact of Dam Removals on Penobscot River Migratory Fishes”.  Ph.D. Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3568.

Whittum, Kory A., “Evaluation of Fish Assemblage Composition and the Expansion of an Invasive Species Following Dam Removal and Upgraded Fish Passage in the Penobscot River, Maine” (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3600.

Weedop, Daison H., “Investigating Relationships Between Fish Assemblages, Disturbance, and Food Web Structures” (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3957.

2021

Evans, Bryn E.  2021.  “Forest Disturbance and Occupancy Patterns of Carnivores:  Results of a Large-scale Field Study in Maine, USA”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3512.

Fish, Alexander.  2021.  “American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Migration Ecology in Eastern North America”.  Ph.D. Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3522.

Gonnerman, Matthew.  2021.  “Eastern Wild Turkey Population Ecology Across Land Use Gradients in Maine”.  Ph.D. Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3498.

Perry, Katherine C.  2021.  “Acting Out of Lyme: Characterizing the Human Dimensions of Lyme Disease Interventions”.  MWC, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3485.

Rubenstein, Sarah R.  2021.  “Energetic Impacts of Passage Delays in Migrating Adult Atlantic Salmon”.  M.S. Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3468.

Woollard, Tyler.  2021.  “Cumulative Effects of Habitat Change: American Marten Habitat Selection and 30 Years of Forest Harvesting in Maine”.  M.S. Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations.  3541.

2020

Boxler, Brandon. 2020. “Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) roost site selection and viability east of the Appalachian mountains.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, 33 pp.

Duffy, Michelle M.  2020. “Wildlife rehabilitation datasets as an underutilized resource to understand avian threats, mortality, and mitigation opportunities”.  MWC, University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3301.

Mensinger, Matthew A.  2020. “American eel behavior and survival in an impounded river system“.   MS Wildlife Ecology. University of Maine, Orono.  Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3302.

Molina Moctezuma, Alejandro. 2020.  ”Movement and survival of Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River, Maine”. Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

Ramberg-Pihl, Nicole C.  2020.  “Responses of Juvenile Atlantic Salmon to Competition and Environmental Change: Implications for Performance in Maine Streams”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono.  University of Maine Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3258.

Ruppert, Kirstie. 2020. “Human-giraffe interactions:  Characterizing poaching and use of parts as a threat to giraffe in Northern Kenya”. Ph.D. Dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono.

Wilson, Kaitlyn. 2020. “Bicknell’s Thrush Habitat Use on Commercial Forests in Maine, USA”. MS Wildlife Ecology. University of Maine, 78pp.

2019

Buckardt, A.  2019.  “Improving conservation of declining young forest birds through adaptive management”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

Du Clos, B.  2019.  “Landscape pattern and wild bee communities in Maine”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono.

Flye, M.  2019.  “Getting over the dam: Overcoming institutional barriers to the recovery of Atlantic salmon by navigating the social-science/policy interface”. M.Sc. University of Maine, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3155.

Gundrum, F.  2019.  “Battle over black bears: Investigating perceptions of the black bear hunting referendums in Maine”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

Vogel, S.  2019.  “Fish passage and hydropower:  Investigating resource agency decision-making during the FERC hydropower relicensing process”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

2018

Barber, B.  2018.  “Marine nutrient cycling in the St. Croix River, Maine”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  234 pp.

Brehm A.  2018.  “Ecological consequences of personality in a guild of terrestrial small mammals:  from trappability to seed dispersal”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

Eakin, C.J.  2018.  “Wildlife use of vernal pools in an urbanizing landscape with a focus on population vitality of vernal pool-breeding amphibians”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  250 pp.

Homola, J.J.  2018.  “Eco-evolutionary implications of environmental change across heterogeneous landscapes”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono:  217 pp.

Maynard, G.  2018.  “Assessing migrations and habitat connectivity for two anadromous species following a major restoration effort in the Penobscot River, Maine”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

Rolek, B.  2018.  “Associations between avian spruce-fir species, harvest treatments, vegetation, and edges.”  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono.

2017

Allen, B.  2017.  “American woodcock migration ecology at an important stopover, Cape May, New Jersey”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  73 pp.

Davis, S.  2017.  “Survival, harvest, and drumming ecology of ruffed grouse in central Maine, USA”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  61 pp.

Hoffmann, K.E.  2017.  “Breeding ecology and habitat use of unisexual salamanders and their sperm-hosts, Blue-Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma laterale)”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  112 pp.

Mangelinckx, J.  2017.  “Nesting ecology and summertime resource selection of ruffed grouse in central Maine, USA”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  76 pp.

McKnight, A.  2017.  “Population ecology of colonially breeding seabirds:  How intrinsic processes, mediating influences, and individual heterogeneity affect population vital rates”.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, Orono:  199 pp.

Shaidani, N.  2017.  “The biogeographic origins and trophic ecology of Maine’s island red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)”.  M.S. Thesis, Zoology, University of Maine, Orono:  87 pp.

Watson, J.  2017.  “Effects of dam removal on assemblage composition and the interactions of fishes in the Penobscot River, Maine”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  79 pp.

Weaver, D.  2017.  “Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as a functional link between marine and freshwater ecosystems”.  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  147 pp.

2016

Barrie, A.  2016.  “Changes in fish communities and chimpanzee ecology in the Bumbuna hydroelectric project area following dam impoundment.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  90 pp.

Begley, M.  2016.  “Understanding the impact of commercial harvest on white suckers (Catostomus commersonii) in Maine”.  M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  105 pp.

Dunham, S.  2016.  “Spruce grouse habitat ecology in Maine’s commercially managed Acadian forest.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  87 pp.

Groff, L.  2016.  “The habitat ecology of pool-breeding amphibians during all annual life history periods in the mountains of the dawn”.  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  164 pp.

Izzo, L.K.  2016.  “Exploring the threats of dams and ocean conditions: In-river movements and ocean growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from Maine’s rivers.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  101 pp.

O’Malley, A.  2016.  “Assessment of a hatchery based rainbow smelt supplementation effort.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  71 pp.

Wood, C.  2016.  “Community ecology of small mammals: predicting change and its consequences.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  48 pp.

2015

Call, E.M.  2015.  “River birds as indicators of change in riverine ecosystems.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  155 pp.

Olson, S.J.  2015.  “Seasonal influences on habitat use by snowshoe hares:  Implications for Canada lynx in northern Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  153 pp.

Vitale, A.A.  2015.  “Reproductive ecology of black bears in Maine:   maternal effect, philopatry, and primiparity.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  78 pp.

2014

Chapin, S.J.  2014.  “The application of spatial modeling tools to predict native bee abundance in Maine’s lowbush blueberries.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  55 pp.

Cline, B.B.  2014.  “Amphibians in complex landscapes: Quantifying habitat connectivity for
juvenile movements and dispersal.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  152 pp.

Levesque, V.R.  2014.  “Advancing conservation efforts through collaborative development of locally tailored policies.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  88 pp.

Mallett, D.  2014.  “Spatial and habitat responses of Canada lynx in Maine to decline in snowshoe hare density.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  196 pp.

Ryan, K.  2014.  “Movement patterns, terrestrial habitat use, and conservation of New England’s rarest amphibians:  The Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) and Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale).”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  98 pp.

Stich, D.S.  2014.  “Phenology and effects of dams on the success of Atlantic salmon migrations in the Penobscot River, Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  257 pp.

2013

Drahovzal, S.  2013.  “Environmental assessment of circumneutral wetlands with shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), host plant of the endangered Clayton’s Copper butterfly (Lycaena dorcas claytoni).”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  145 pp.

Grote, A.  2013.  “Migration and spawning behavior of a remnant population of American shad (Alosa sapidissima) prior to dam removal.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  76pp.

Ratten, S.  2013.  “Behavior, ecology, and restoration of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in Maine lakes.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  59 pp.

2012

Ashe, W. A.  2012.  “First-summer survival and growth of juvenile Atlantic Salmon in headwater streams:  Implications for restoring connectivity at road culverts.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  47 pages.

Guyette, M.Q.  2012.  “Responses of Atlantic salmon stream communities to marine-derived nutrients.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  195 pp.

Hogg, R.  2012.  “Fish community response to a small stream dam removal in a coastal Maine tributary.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  142 p.

Kiraly, I.A.  2012.  “Characterizing fish assemblage structure in the Penobscot River prior to dam removal.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  83 pp.

McCullough, I.M.  2012.  “Remote estimation of regional lake clarity with Landsat TM and MODIS satellite imagery.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  90 pp.

Shearin, A.F.  2012.  “Influence of landscape arrangement and wetland condition on breeding dynamics of Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander) in Maine, USA.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  236 pp.

2011

Gorsky, D.  2011.  “Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) habitat utilization, early life history, and interactions with rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in northern Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  117 pp.

Jansujwicz, J.S.  2011.  “Challenges and opportunities for conserving vernal pools on private land using regulatory and voluntary approaches.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  178 pp.

Kazyak, D.  2011.  “Growth and movement of brook char, (Salvelinus fontinalis) in coastal Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  116 pp.

Palacios-Bianchi, P.A.  2011.  “Determining the vulnerability of wetlands in the Valparaiso Region, Chile.”  Master of Wildlife Conservation, University of Maine, Orono:  36 pp.

Parsons, M.  2011.  “Developing methods to monitor seabird response to disturbance on a coastal Maine island.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  102 pp.

Popescu, V.D.  2011.  “Forest succession and amphibian migrations:  Implications for landscape connectivity.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  134 pp.

2010

Danielson, T.J.  2010.  “Assessing the biological condition of Maine streams and rivers using benthic algal communities.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono.  218 pp.

Gardner, C.T.  2010.  “Distribution and abundance of fishes in relation to barriers:  implications for monitoring stream recovery after barrier removal.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  50 pp.

Huebner, J.A.  2010.  “Wild turkey crop depredation on wild blueberry fields in Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  63 pp.

Knurek, E.  2010.  “Taxonomic and population status of the Clayton’s copper butterfly (Lycaena dorcas clytoni).  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  85 pp.

2009

Jackson, C.A.L.  2009.  “Fishing, water regulation and competition; the past, present and future of brook trout in the Rapid River, Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  88 pp.

Scott, S.A.  2009.  “Spatio-temporal dynamics of snowshoe hare density and relationships to Canada lynx occurrence in northern Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  190 pp.

Simons, E.M.  2009. “Influence of past and future forest management on the spatiotemporal dynamics of habitat supply for Canada lynx and American martens in northern Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  229 pp.

Spencer, R.C.  2009. “Migratory urge and gill Na+, K+ -ATPase activity of hatchery reared Atlantic salmon smolts from Dennys and Penobscot River stocks, Maine, and review of enhancement programs”.  M.S. thesis, Zoology, University of Maine, Orono:  85pp.

Wathen, R.G.  2009.  “The interactive ecology of juvenile Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass:  competition for habitat.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  80 pp.

2008

Blomquist, S.M.  2008.  “Relative fitness and behavioral compensation of amphibians in a managed forest.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  185 pp.

Fernandes, S.  2008.  “Investigation into the distribution and abundance of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) and other diadromous species in the Penobscot River, Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  100 pp.

Politi, N.  2008.  “Selective logging in subtropical montane forests of the Andes:  its effect on cavity nesting birds.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  143 pp.

Schilling, E.G.  2008.  “Effects of fish introductions on the geographic distribution and native invertebrate biodiversity of naturally fishless lakes in Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  138 pp.

Seger, R.L., M.D.  2008.  “Elucidating the mechanism for maintaining eucalcemia despite immobility and anuria in the hibernating black bear (Ursus americanus).”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  95pp.

2007

Beaudry, F.  2007.  “Road mortality risk for spotted and Blanding’s turtle populations.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  141 pp.

Campbell, S.P.  2007.  “The long-term effects of a selective timber harvest on the bird community of an oak-pine forest in Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  212 pp.  M.L. Hunter, Jr. advisor.

DeGoosh, K.E.  2007.  “Development and application of a paleolimnological inference model to identify historically fishless lakes in Maine”.  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  94 pp.  C.S. Loftin and K. Webster co-advisors.

Hearn, B. J.  2007.  “Factors affecting habitat selection and population characteristics of American marten (Martes americana atrata) in Newfoundland.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  226 pp.  D. Harrison advisor.

Holbrook, C.M.  2007. “Movements and survival of adult and juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the Penobscot River.”  M.S. thesis, Zoology, University of Maine, Orono:  88 pp.  J. Zydlewski and M.T. Kinnison co-advisors.

Kurth, J.E.  2007.  “Methods for the translocation of the yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) and the tidewater mucket (Leptodea ochracea) in the Fort Halifax dam impoundment of the Sebasticook River, Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  96 pp.  C.S. Loftin and J. Rhymer co-advisors.

Nelson, S.J.  2007.  “Annual contribution of mercury and tracer ions in winter throughfall deposition at Acadia National Park, Maine.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  260 pp.  C.S. Loftin and J.S. Kahl co-advisors.

Patrick, D.A.  2007.  “The effects of habitat alteration on juvenile amphibian dispersal.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  119 pp.  M.L. Hunter, Jr. and A.J.K. Calhoun co-advisors.

2006

Fuller, A.K.  2006.  “Multi-scalar responses of forest carnivores to habitat and spatial pattern: case studies with Canada lynx and American martens.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  223 pp.

Kneeland, S.  2006.  “Identification of fish hosts for wild populations of rare freshwater mussels (Lampsilis cariosa and Leptodea ochracea) using a molecular identification key.”  M.S. thesis, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  98 pp.

McCloskey, J.T.  2006.  “Evaluating effects of fire management policy on vegetation communities in the Okeefenokee Swamp, Georgia.”  Ph.D. dissertation, Ecology and Environmental Science, University of Maine, Orono:  232 pp.

Robinson, L.  2006.  “Ecological relationships among partial harvesting, vegetation, snowshoe hares, and Canada lynx in Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  184 pp.

Skinner, J.P.  2006.  “Physical and behavioral development of nursing harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups in Maine.”  M.S. thesis, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono:  129 pp.