October 17, 2003

A Case Study in Evolution:
West Nile Virus and its Impact on
North American Bird Populations.

David J. Horn
Assistant Professor of Biology
Aurora University

Since its arrival to North America in 1999, West Nile Virus has had major impacts on avian populations. In this presentation, Dr. Horn will provide an overview of West Nile Virus and its transmission cycle, the spread of the virus through North America, and the local and continent-wide impacts of the virus on bird populations. The virus and its impacts provides an excellent case study in natural selection which will also be discussed.

Bio Sketch

Since 2002, Dr. Horn is Assistant Professor of Biology at Aurora University in Illinois. He received his B.A. in Biology from Hiram College in 1993, an M.S. in Biological Science from the University of Mississippi in 1995, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University in 2000.

His research intersts include how habitat loss and fragmentation have impacted grassland, wetland, and forest bird populations, and the population ecology of urban bird populations. In addition, as President of Friends of the Fox River, he is also involved in the effects of pollution on river ecosystems, and the conservation of watersheds.

Hobbies include travel, outdoor activities, and sketching

SMSI Minutes
Case Study in Evolution: West Nile Virus and Its Impact on North American Bird Populations by David Joseph Horn. 17 Oct. 03

Epidemiology gone to the birds. For a transcript of this great lecture click here.

Respectfully submitted, Stan Schmidt, Recording Secretary.