Research
PROJECTS AND INTERESTS
Conservation Education
We are most interested in exploring the training and preparation of K-12 teachers in environmental literacy, ecological knowledge, and perceptions of real-world issues related to the environment and conservation. Even more so, we are passionate about exploring the land ethic, stewardship, and affinity towards nature that is present in students attending underserved, urban schools.
Education Research Interests:
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Professional development of teachers
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Curriculum development and evaluation
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Visiting scientists in the classroom
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Practice of inquiry in biology education at the university level

Urban Wildlife Ecology
Learn more about our ongoing projects below!
Urban Parrot Project
Urban Wildlife Information Network
We are most interested in work relating to population monitoring, particularly involving non-native species, behavior, habitat use through the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques and field surveys, human attitudes and perceptions towards wildlife.

RESEARCH TEAM
Coming soon...
If you are interested in working with Dr. Ortiz as an undergraduate or graduate student reach out by email. Include in your email: information about you, why you are interested in conducting research, and your research interests.
CURRENT AND FORMER
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS
Beatriz Martinez-Martin, University of San Diego, Undergraduate
Project: Avian Insectivores and Diet Availability in South Texas, 2019-Present
Angelica Ocaña, University of San Diego, Undergraduate
Project: Sex Aggregations in White-tailed Deer on South Texas Rangelands, 2019-2020
Currently: Laboratory Technician, Pharmatech
Maxwell Johnson, University of San Diego, Undergraduate
Project: Establishing a Monitoring Program for Population Estimates of Urban Parrots, 2019
Maisy Feeley, University of San Diego, Undergraduate
Project: Establishing a Monitoring Program for Population Estimates of Urban Parrots, 2019
Charlie Daria, University of San Diego, Post-Baccalaureate
Project: Diet of Introduced Parrots in San Diego, CA, 2018-2019
Currently: Master's Student, Florida Atlantic University
Alexandra Sigg, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Undergraduate
Project: Impact of Human Disturbance on the Relative Abundance and Diversity of Native and Exotic Avian Species, 2016
Oscar Mariscal, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Undergraduate
Project: Impact of Human Disturbance on the Relative Abundance and Diversity of Native and Exotic Avian Species, 2016