Dr. Lyndsey M. Pierson
Biography
Dr. Lyndsey M. Pierson is an Associate Professor and the Interim Chair of the Department of Biology. Her graduate research focused on Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, and Behavioral Endocrinology; she addressed questions relating to reproductive and exploratory behavior in rodents. She recently published the last of her research projects looking at olfactory communication using scents from different body sources in voles.
Dr. Pierson’s current research has shifted to focus on the behavior of domestic animals, particularly as it relates to the successful adoption of shelter animals in need.
Education
- University of Memphis, PhD in Biology, research focused in Animal Behavior
- Canisius College, BS in Biology, Minor in Animal Behavior
Courses Taught
Publications and Research Focus
Ferkin, M. H., Vlautin, C. T., and Pierson, L. M. (2015) Age-related effects on individual discrimination among meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus. In: Schulte, B., Goodwin, T., Ferkin, M. H. (Eds.), Chemical Signals in Vertebrates, vol. 13. Springer Press, New York, pp. 121-136.
Pierson, L. M., Hetherington, M., and Ferkin, M. H. (2015) A low phytoestrogen diet reduces the proceptivity but not the attractivity of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). In: Schulte, B., Goodwin, T., Ferkin, M. H. (Eds.), Chemical Signals in Vertebrates, vol. 13. Springer Press, New York, pp. 205-216.
Pierson, L., M., and Ferkin, M. H. (2015) The impact of phytoestrogens on sexual behavior and cognition in rodents. Mammalian Biology. 80: 148-154.
Sabau, R. M., Pierson, L., and Ferkin, M. H. (2014) Body mass and attractivity of female offspring are negatively affected by food restriction of meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) dams during lactation. Behaviour. 151: 1847-1868.
Service and Community Engagement
Dr. Pierson regularly volunteers at Memphis Animal Services with dog walking, foster field trips, microchipping events, and enrichment activities.
Previously, Dr. Pierson has also volunteered at the Memphis Zoo with the African Black-footed Penguins.