Teri J. Orr
New Mexico State University, Department of Biology TeriOrr (at) NMSU (dot) edu
Las Cruces, NM USA
Research Interests: evolutionary ecology, anatomy and reproductive physiology of small mammals (especially bats), plant-animal interactions, life-history evolution, desert ecology, sexual selection
Approaches: field ecology, comparative methods, electron microscopy, histology, stable isotope ecology
Education
2016-2019 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Utah (UU)
Postdoctoral mentor: M. Denise Dearing
2012-2016 NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass Amherst)
Postdoctoral mentor: Patricia Brennan
2012 Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Dissertation title: The biology of reproductive delays in mammals: reproductive decisions, energetics, and evolutionary ecology
Thesis mentor: Kimberly A. Hammond
2007 M.S., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico (UNM)
Thesis title: Rodents and cacti, a stable isotopic investigation of a key plant functional group and its consumers
Thesis mentor: Blair O. Wolf
2003 B.S., Biology and Anthropology, University of New Mexico
Scholarships and Honors
2010 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, UCR
2010 University of California’s President’s Dissertation-Year Fellowship, UCR
2010 Loomer Award, Department of Biology, UCR
2010 Service Award, Department of Biology, UCR
2008 Department of Biology, Research Day, best student presentation, UCR
2006 Department of Biology, 2nd Place Graduate Student Oral Presentation, Research Day, UNM
2005 Joseph A. Gaudin Jr. Memorial Scholarship, UNM
2003 NM Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Best Poster, Life Sciences
2000 Dean’s List, UNM
1999 Scholars Scholarship, UNM
1999 Amigo Scholarship, UNM
1997 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship (exchange student to Gustav-Hertz-Gymnasium in Leipzig, Germany for one year)
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Book
22. Hayssen, V and TJ Orr (2017) Reproduction in mammals: the female perspective. Johns Hopkins University Press. https://issuu.com/johnshopkinsuniversitypress/docs/jhup-fall-seasonal-2017c (listed page 72)
Peer-reviewed Articles and Chapters (*indicates undergraduate researchers)
Published (21 total; 10 as first-author)
21. Miller, AW, TJ Orr, MD Dearing, M Monga. (2019) Loss of Function Dysbiosis Associated with Antibiotics and High Fat, High Sugar Diet. Accepted, currently in proof-stage: The ISME Journal.
20. Kohl, K, K Oakeson, TJ Orr, A Miller, J Forbey, C Phillips, C Dale, R Weiss, MD Dearing. (2018) Metagenomic sequencing provides insights into the location of microbial detoxification in the gut of a small mammalian herbivore. Accepted, currently in proof-stage: FEMS Microbiology Ecology.
19. Delmore, *J, PLR Brennan, TJ Orr. (2018) Scrotal and Testicular Pigmentation May Protect Sperm from Harmful Solar Radiation. Evolutionary Ecology. 32:127-139
16. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2017) Book Chapter. Sperm Storage and Delayed Fertilization. Encyclopedia of Reproduction, 2nd Edition. Elsevier.
15. Archer, CR, TJ Orr, DJ Hosken. (2017) The evolutionary implications of sperm competition and cryptic female choice in bats. In Frontiers in Reproductive Science. Editor: Arenas Ríos. Bentham Science Publishers.
14. Orr, TJ, J Ortega, RA Medellín, *CD Sánchez, KA Hammond (2016) Gourmets or operational pragmatics: are frugivorous bats only eating fruit? Journal of Mammalogy. 97:1578-1588
13. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2016) All features great and small – the potential roles of penile spines in mammals Integrative and Comparative Biology. 56: E165
11. Furness, AI, KR Morrison, TJ Orr, JD Arendt, D Reznick (2015) Reproductive mode and the shifting arenas of evolutionary conflict. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1360:1-26
10. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2015) Sperm storage: distinguishing selective processes and evaluating criteria. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 30:261-272
9. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2015) Sperm storage across multiple scales – a reply to Marques, García, and Ames. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 20:1-2
8. Orr, TJ, S Newsome and BO Wolf (2015) The importance of cacti as a resource to the Sonoran desert rodent community. Oecologia. 174:1-18
7. Baskin, TI, M Jercinovic, TJ Orr, M Yoshida (2014) Sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy: the surprising case of freeze drying from tertiary butanol. Microscopy Today. 22:36-39
6. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2014) Reproductive delays in mammals: an unexplored avenue for post-copulatory sexual selection. Biological Reviews. 89:889-912
5. Skibiel, AL, LM Downing, TJ Orr, W Hood (2013) The evolution of the nutrient composition of mammalian milks. Journal of Animal Ecology. 82:1254-1264
4. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2013) Does delayed fertilization facilitate sperm competition in bats? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 67:1903-1913
3. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2012) Sperm Storage Quick Guide. Current Biology. 22:R8-10
2. Zuk, M and TJ Orr (2010) Sex, Society, and peacock tails: sexual selection from Darwin to modern times. in Essays on Evolution. Roberts & Co., Publishers: Greenwood Village, CO, JB Losos, Ed
1. Yates, TL, CA Parmenter, JL Dunnum, BD Frank, WS Knapp, TJ Orr, D Wells (2004) (2003-2004) Semi- Annual Report, Longitudinal Studies of Hantavirus in Rodent Populations in the American Southwest
Other Publications (3)
Ortega, J, E Sanchez,* TJ Orr (2014) Book Review: Los Carnivoros de Chile by Airiate and Jaksic. In the Journal of Mammalogy. 95:655-656
Orr, TJ (2005) Book Review: Neanderthals and Modern Humans an Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective by Clive Finlayson. In the Journal of Mammalogy 86:847
Sherwin, RE and TJ Orr (2004) Book Review: Bats of the Rocky Mountain West by Rick Adams. In Acta Chiropterologica. 171–174
In Review (1)
Stephens*, SR, TJ Orr, MD Dearing. Chiseling Away at the Dogma of Dietary Specialization in Dipodomys microps. Manuscript available upon request. In-review at Diveristy
Research Grants and Fellowships
2018 Make Our Planet Great Again- Short-stay program, Campus France, to work with Dr. Elodie Magnanou (Banyuls-sur-Mer, France)
2018 Natural History Museum of Utah’s Science Communication Fellows Program, UU (declined)
2017 Young Scholars Award, Bonderman Field Station, UU, $2,500
2012 National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology, Broadening Participation $219,800
2012 Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, UC Berkeley $50,500 (declined)
2012 National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) Postdoctoral Fellowship $85,700 (declined)
2011 Shoemaker Award, UCR $1,000
2011 Newell Award, UCR $600
2009 UC MEXUS (University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States), Dissertation Research Grant $11,000
2009 Grant-In-Aide, American Society of Mammalogists $1,000
2009 Newell Award, UCR $600
2007-2011 Mini-grant (travel funds to attend conferences), UCR
2007 GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) Fellowship, UCR
2006 Research Project and Travel Grant, Office of Graduate Studies, UNM $1,000
2005- 2006 Graduate Research Allocations Committee, research grant, UNM $550
2005 Student Research Allocations Committee, research grant, UNM $500
2005 Research Project and Travel Grant, Office of Graduate Studies, UNM $900
2001 Undergraduate Research Award (travel funds to attend conferences), UNM
Teaching Experience (over 9 years)
University of Utah
2016 Guest lecture Mammalogy (1): Reproduction
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2014 Instructor Animal Behavior (designed and gave lectures, directed and organized labs)
2014 Guest lectures Mammalogy (2): Cetacea
University of California, Riverside
2010 Departmental seminar student organizer
2010 Guest lecture Animal Behavior (1): Hormones and Behavior
2007-2012 Teaching Assistant:
Functional Vertebrate Anatomy A and B (discussions and labs),
Animal Behavior (discussions and labs), History of Disease (discussions),
Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology (discussions)
2007 Teaching Assistant Development training
University of New Mexico
2004-2006 Teaching Assistant:
Ecology and Evolution (labs), Animal Physiology (labs), Cell Biology (discussions)
Mentoring Experience (2004-2018, 20 undergraduates and 3 graduates)
University of Utah, 2016-present
Mentor to ten undergraduates: KayLene Yamada (completed an undergraduate Honors thesis and currently a MS student at Auburn University), Lucero Lopez (Honors Program), Granger Cocke (a Co-author on a paper), Hayden Christensen (currently conducting an Honors thesis), Madeline Nelson, LeAundra Jeffs (currently a PhD student at the University of Delaware), Lane Mulvey, Sydney Stephens (Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) recipient 2016, Chevron Fellow 2017, ASM Honoraria Awardee), Madelina James (REFUGE program), Whitney Kenner (REU)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2013-2016
Mentor to four undergraduates: Jennifer Wen and Shelley Kratzer (Honors College), Jennifer Silva (Now Delmore, a Co-author on a paper),
Jenna McMahon (Biology Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (BURA))
University of California, Riverside, 2010-2012
Peer mentor to three incoming diversity graduate students (Nicholas Shirkey, Phillip Soto and Danielle Worth) as part of the NSF funded Graduate Mentoring Student Program; Mentor to two undergraduates: Caitlin Sanchez (a Co-author on a paper) and Carolyn Woodward, as well as several undergraduates from the labs of Drs. Ortega and Medellín, including Rubèn Gallicia (B.S., Universidad Nacional Autonoma México).
University of New Mexico, 2004-2007
Randall McCain (UMEB recipient, Undergraduate Mentorship in Environmental Biology, currently conducting graduate research with Dr. Cook at UNM); Margo Dimas (UMEB); Melissa Hawkins (UMEB); Camille McClarin (UMEB)
Academic Employment
2007-2009 Research Aide for Professor BO Wolf, KOFA National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, in association with UNM
2005- 2006 Research Assistant and graduate mentor to UMEB students, an NSF funded program, UNM
2004-2005 Field Technician, USGS Conservation Studies of Long-nosed Bats (Leptonycteris spp.), NM
2004 Abandoned Mine Surveys, Coeur Rochester Mine, Forest Service, Clark County, NV
2003-2004 Field Technician, New Mexico Hanta Virus Survey Crew, UNM
2002-2003 Student Researcher, UMEB, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
2002 Research Assistant, NASA PURSUE program, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
2001 Curatorial Aide, National Park Service, Chaco Culture Center, NM
1999-2003 Museum Assistant, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
Invited Symposia (5)
2019 International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, Bat Evomorph Symposium (Prauge, Czech Republic)
Third International Symposium on Diapause (Monte Vérita, Switzerland)
2018 Science Retreat and Gordon Lark Symposium, School of Biological Sciences, UU (Salt Lake City, UT)
2017 Life-history trade-offs involving whole-organism performance. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting (New Orleans, LA)
2016 Intromittent Organ Symposium. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting (Portland, OR)
Invited Seminars (9)
2018 University of Missouri (Columbia, MO), Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA)
2017 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Dartmouth, MA), Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
2016 University of Chicago, Comparative Behavioral Workshop (Chicago, IL)
Darwin Day guest seminar, Weber State University (Ogden, UT)
2014 Biology Talent Advanced Program (BioTAP), Commonwealth Honors College and UMass Amherst as biological science majors seminar. UMass, Amherst (Amherst, MA)
2012 Life Sciences Colloquium seminar. Smith College (Northampton, MA)
2010 Departmental seminar. California State University San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA)
Presentations at Professional Conferences
Papers (26 total, *indicates undergraduate researchers)
2019 1 paper to be presented (abstract submitted: Orr, *Yamada, Shapiro, Dearing) the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Tampa, FL)
2018 3 papers presented
(Orr, Kitanovic, Schramm, Skopec, Wilderman, Halpert, Dearing) the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (San Francisco, CA); (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting, presented by Miss Stephens, a student ASM Honoraria recipient (Manhattan, KS)
2017 1 paper presented
(Orr, Kitanovic, Schramm, Skopec, Wilderman, Halpert, Dearing) the American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Moscow, ID)
2016 2 papers presented by co-authors
(Schultz, Lough-Stevens, Abreu, Orr, Dean) the Society for Evolution annual meeting (Austin, TX); (Hermanson, Dzal, Orr, *York, Parsons) Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Portland, OR)
2015 1 paper presented by co-author
(Hermanson, Dzal, Orr, *York, Parsons) North American Society for Bat Research annual meeting (Monterey, CA)
2014 2 papers presented
(Orr and Brennan) North American Symposium on Bat Research annual meeting (Albany, NY); and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Austin, TX)
2013 2 papers presented
(Orr and Brennan) Division of Vertebrate Morphology regional SICB meeting (New Haven, CT); Biology of Spermatozoa Conference (Derbyshire, UK)
2012 2 papers presented
(Orr, Hammond, and Ortega-Reyes) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Charleston, SC); (Orr, *Sanchez, Hammond) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Reno, NV)
2010 3 papers total - 2 presented by co-author (Pollux)
(Pollux, Oufiero, Banet, Orr, Meredith, Garland, Reznick) 4th Annual Western Evolutionary Biology Meeting (Irvine, CA) and Society for Evolution annual meeting (Portland, OR); (Orr, Hyde, Wolf) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Seattle, WA)
2009 3 papers presented
(Orr, Hyde and Wolf) North American Symposium for Bat Research (Portland, OR); (Orr, Lindenflors, Dalen, Angerbjoern and Garland) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Fairbanks, AK) and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Boston, MA)
2008 1 paper presented
(Orr and Zuk) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Brookings, SD)
2007 2 papers presented
(Orr and Zuk) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Albuquerque, NM); (Orr and Wolf) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Phoenix, AZ)
2006 3 papers presented
(Orr and Wolf) Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Memphis, TN); American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Amherst, MA); UNM Research Day (Albuquerque, NM)
2003 2 papers – 1 presented by co-author (Greenlee)
(Orr, Gannon, Greenlee, Racz); (Greenlee, Gannon, Orr, Racz) Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Savannah, GA)
Posters (23 total, *indicates undergraduate researchers)
2018 4 posters presented (Orr and Hayssen) at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (San Francisco, CA); (Miller, Orr, Dearing and Monga), and (Batagello, Orr, Monga, Dearing and Miller) the American Urological Association annual meeting (San Francisco, CA), (Orr, Yamada, Shapiro, Dearing) Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution satellite meeting: Molecular Evolution and the Cell (Deer Valley, UT)
2017 2 posters presented at the American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Moscow, ID) (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing); (Hayssen and Orr)
3 *student papers presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) (*Cocke, Kitanovic, Orr, Dearing); (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing); (*Yamada, Orr, Schramm, Skopec, Dearing)
2016 1 poster (*Cocke, Kitanovic, Orr, Dearing) Molecular Evolution Symposium (Salt Lake City, UT)
2014 2 posters both with *Silva as first author, North American Symposium on Bat Research (Albany, NY); UMass Undergraduate Research Day (Amherst, MA)
2013 3 posters at the 16th International Bat Research Conference/ North American Symposium on Bat Research, (San Jose, Costa Rica), Society for Evolution annual meeting (Snowbird, Utah), and 10th International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology (ICVM-10) (Barcelona, Spain)
2011 1 poster (Orr, Hammond, and Ortega-Reyes) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Salt Lake City, UT)
2010 2 posters: New Directions in Sexual Selection Research: Unifying behavioural and genomic approaches conference (Bath, UK), and American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Laramie, WY)
2007 Orr, Zuk. XIV International Bat Research Conference and 37th NASBR Conference (Merida, Mexico)
2006 2 posters with undergraduates as first authors *Dimas and *Hawkins at the Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Memphis, TN)
2005 (Orr, Mathiasan, Weise) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Springfield, MO)
2004 (Orr, *Hawkins, Gannon) Southwestern Association of Biologists annual meeting (Portal, AZ)
2003 (Orr, Racz, Gannon), and (Greenlee, Orr, Racz, Gannon) New Mexico-Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate conference (Socorro, NM)
2001 (Orr, Racz, Gannon) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Missoula, MT)º first scientific conference
Reviewer for the following journals: Anatomical Record (1), Ecography (1), Evolution (3), Functional Ecology (2), Journal of Biologcial Rhythms (2), Journal of Mammalogy (3), Journal of Mammalian Evolution (1), Journal of Reproduction and Fertility (4), Journal of Zoology (2), Mammal Reviews (1), Physiological & Biochemical Zoology (3), PLOS ONE (5), Journal of Morphology (1)
Professional Memberships and Services
Animal Behavior Society since 2015
Reviewer of student grant proposals 2017
American Society of Mammalogists since 2000, life member;
Member of Human Diversity Committee 2012, 2017-present
Student member of Merriam Award Committee 2009-2010
Student presentation judge 2017
‘Writing Buddy’ for the Journal of Mammalogy – where I have mentored 4 non-native English speakers in preparation of their manuscripts
Czech Science Foundation, external reviewer 2018
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology since 2006
Poster judge: Division of Vertebrate Morphology and Division of Animal Behavior (2017, 2018)
North American Society for Bat Research since 2006
International Bat Research Conference, symposium organizer: reproductive anatomy and physiology 2016
International Society for Behavioral Ecology reviewer of 2016 meeting Abstracts
National Science Foundation external reviewer 2017
Ecological Society of America 2005-2006, 2011
Outreach and Student Training
2018 Presentation about bats to biomechanics teacher workshop at the Utah Museum of Natural History
2017 Presentation about bats to 30 mixed-age (single classroom school) elementary school students at Indian Church Village, Belize; Bat talk as part of the Utah Master Naturalist program (planned for October, 2017 at Rio Mesa, UT) to students and teachers from throughout Utah.
2014 IDEA -Institute for the Development of Educational Applications through UCR, joined as participant with goal of developing materials for students and instructors of Animal Behavior courses. http://idea.ucr.edu/
2014 Science Café presenter for UMass Amherst, OEB graduate student organized event
2011 Biology department tour for high-school students in the Upward Bound program, UCR
2010 EEOB teaching and program committee representative, UCR
2009 Biology web committee student representative, UCR
2009 Started public science blog ‘Bats Rock’ at www.batsrock.blogspot.com, over 47,006 views (as of August 2018)
2009 Educational presentation about bats to Boy Scout troop 780 (Rocky Mountain District)
2006 PROFOUND Undergraduate Research Day judge, UNM
2004 Portal, AZ, Long-term study site of JH Brown, aided in rodent trapping, UNM
2004 Student mentor: Undergraduate Mentorship in Environmental Biology Program, UNM
2004 Forest Service Camp, Jemez Mountains, educational presentation on bats to middle and high-school students
2003 Museum of Southwestern Biology tours for prospective biology students from local high-schools, UNM
2002 Educational bat presentation for biology teacher workshop, Albuquerque, NM
2001 Field volunteer, for dendrochronologist Dr. T. Windes of NPS Chaco Culture Center, NM
RELEVANT SKILLS
Workshops and Training
Engaging with the Media (2018, UU)
Wilderness First Aide Certification (2017, UU)
Mentor Training workshop (2016, UU)
Finite Element Modeling in Biology workshop (2013, UMass Amherst): Geomagic, Mimics
Computer Automated Semen Analysis (CASA) workshop (2012, University of Sheffield, UK)
Animal Care and Use training certification: UU (2015), UMass Amherst (2013) and UCR (2006)
Field techniques: small mammal capture and release since 2002 including over 10,000 trap nights (Sherman, Tomahawks, Museum Special), mist netting (bats and birds), hand-netting (bats), bird banding assistant, pit-fall traps (insects and shrews), harp traps (bats), technical rope work and underground safety trained, radio telemetry, GPS use (Garmin and Trimble), map use, small vertebrate blood collection, mark-recapture techniques for small mammals and birds, anesthesia use including CO2 and portable (isoflourane) anesthesia machine, respirator (Hepa and PAPR) trained, infrared camera use, Anabat equipment use, including CF Card and ZCAIM. Woodrat colony management since 2016 including feeding trials, monitoring health and general maintenance.
Sample processing skills: blood sample preparation, isotope sample preparation (C13, N15) including doubly-labeled water (H2, O18) sample preparation and distillation, Liquid-Water Isotope Analysis using output spectroscopy, museum specimen prepping, necropsy techniques and skeletal preparation, milk analysis (Roese-Gottlieb, and phenol-sulfuric acid assays), headspace gas chromatography, DNA extractions for microsatellite analysis, some PCR; Bradford protein determination.
Microscopy: paraffin-based histology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (including: scope, critical point dryer use, gold-sputtering), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM biological sample preparation), µCT scanning of soft-tissue.
Computer programs and data analysis: ArcGIS, ANABAT, ANALOOK, CRIMESTAT, DATAGET, Endnote, Excel, GeneMapper, GPower, ImageJ, IndSpec4.0, MapSource, MATLAB, MESQUITE, Minitab, SPSS, some R.
International Research Experience
Belize: 5 years of mist-netting (including stacked nets, over water netting) and harp trapping of bats, kinematics of vampire bats while running (on treadmills)
Costa Rica: Sherman and snap trapping for terrestrial and arboreal rodents in cloud-forest sites including; Cerro de la Muerte and tropical forests. Hand-netting of disk-winged bats in Heliconia fields- Osa Peninsula
Mexico: plant surveys; Yucatan (El Eden Field Station), rodent trapping; Sonora, bat netting; Puebla, and Moreleos
Panama: bat mist-netting Barro Colorado Island, Sherman traps with Institute of Health (SALUD)
Trinidad and Tobago: hand and mist netting of bats throughout the island of Trinidad
United Kingdom: Drosophila ‘fly-pushing’ in the lab of Dr. David Hosken including husbandry, sexing, anesthesia, dissections and experimental design. Project in progress and soon to be in manuscript form
Languages: German (fluent), Spanish (conversational), French (intermediate)
New Mexico State University, Department of Biology TeriOrr (at) NMSU (dot) edu
Las Cruces, NM USA
Research Interests: evolutionary ecology, anatomy and reproductive physiology of small mammals (especially bats), plant-animal interactions, life-history evolution, desert ecology, sexual selection
Approaches: field ecology, comparative methods, electron microscopy, histology, stable isotope ecology
Education
2016-2019 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Utah (UU)
Postdoctoral mentor: M. Denise Dearing
2012-2016 NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass Amherst)
Postdoctoral mentor: Patricia Brennan
2012 Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Dissertation title: The biology of reproductive delays in mammals: reproductive decisions, energetics, and evolutionary ecology
Thesis mentor: Kimberly A. Hammond
2007 M.S., Department of Biology, University of New Mexico (UNM)
Thesis title: Rodents and cacti, a stable isotopic investigation of a key plant functional group and its consumers
Thesis mentor: Blair O. Wolf
2003 B.S., Biology and Anthropology, University of New Mexico
Scholarships and Honors
2010 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, UCR
2010 University of California’s President’s Dissertation-Year Fellowship, UCR
2010 Loomer Award, Department of Biology, UCR
2010 Service Award, Department of Biology, UCR
2008 Department of Biology, Research Day, best student presentation, UCR
2006 Department of Biology, 2nd Place Graduate Student Oral Presentation, Research Day, UNM
2005 Joseph A. Gaudin Jr. Memorial Scholarship, UNM
2003 NM Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Best Poster, Life Sciences
2000 Dean’s List, UNM
1999 Scholars Scholarship, UNM
1999 Amigo Scholarship, UNM
1997 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship (exchange student to Gustav-Hertz-Gymnasium in Leipzig, Germany for one year)
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Book
22. Hayssen, V and TJ Orr (2017) Reproduction in mammals: the female perspective. Johns Hopkins University Press. https://issuu.com/johnshopkinsuniversitypress/docs/jhup-fall-seasonal-2017c (listed page 72)
- Featured in Smith College Insight, Oct. 6, 2016 ‘Studying mammalian reproduction? Don’t overlook the Female Perspective’ (J. Falla) https://www.smith.edu/insight/stories/reproduction.php
Peer-reviewed Articles and Chapters (*indicates undergraduate researchers)
Published (21 total; 10 as first-author)
21. Miller, AW, TJ Orr, MD Dearing, M Monga. (2019) Loss of Function Dysbiosis Associated with Antibiotics and High Fat, High Sugar Diet. Accepted, currently in proof-stage: The ISME Journal.
20. Kohl, K, K Oakeson, TJ Orr, A Miller, J Forbey, C Phillips, C Dale, R Weiss, MD Dearing. (2018) Metagenomic sequencing provides insights into the location of microbial detoxification in the gut of a small mammalian herbivore. Accepted, currently in proof-stage: FEMS Microbiology Ecology.
19. Delmore, *J, PLR Brennan, TJ Orr. (2018) Scrotal and Testicular Pigmentation May Protect Sperm from Harmful Solar Radiation. Evolutionary Ecology. 32:127-139
- Featured as cover photo
- Featured as cover photo
16. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2017) Book Chapter. Sperm Storage and Delayed Fertilization. Encyclopedia of Reproduction, 2nd Edition. Elsevier.
15. Archer, CR, TJ Orr, DJ Hosken. (2017) The evolutionary implications of sperm competition and cryptic female choice in bats. In Frontiers in Reproductive Science. Editor: Arenas Ríos. Bentham Science Publishers.
14. Orr, TJ, J Ortega, RA Medellín, *CD Sánchez, KA Hammond (2016) Gourmets or operational pragmatics: are frugivorous bats only eating fruit? Journal of Mammalogy. 97:1578-1588
13. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2016) All features great and small – the potential roles of penile spines in mammals Integrative and Comparative Biology. 56: E165
- Featured in Science, Jan. 15, 2016 ‘Female organs revealed as weapons in sexual arms race’ (E. Pennisi)
- Featured on BBC Earth, Sep. 12, 2015 ‘Why some male bats have spines on their penises’ (L.E. Ogden)
11. Furness, AI, KR Morrison, TJ Orr, JD Arendt, D Reznick (2015) Reproductive mode and the shifting arenas of evolutionary conflict. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1360:1-26
10. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2015) Sperm storage: distinguishing selective processes and evaluating criteria. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 30:261-272
9. Orr, TJ and PLR Brennan (2015) Sperm storage across multiple scales – a reply to Marques, García, and Ames. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 20:1-2
8. Orr, TJ, S Newsome and BO Wolf (2015) The importance of cacti as a resource to the Sonoran desert rodent community. Oecologia. 174:1-18
7. Baskin, TI, M Jercinovic, TJ Orr, M Yoshida (2014) Sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy: the surprising case of freeze drying from tertiary butanol. Microscopy Today. 22:36-39
6. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2014) Reproductive delays in mammals: an unexplored avenue for post-copulatory sexual selection. Biological Reviews. 89:889-912
5. Skibiel, AL, LM Downing, TJ Orr, W Hood (2013) The evolution of the nutrient composition of mammalian milks. Journal of Animal Ecology. 82:1254-1264
4. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2013) Does delayed fertilization facilitate sperm competition in bats? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 67:1903-1913
3. Orr, TJ and M Zuk (2012) Sperm Storage Quick Guide. Current Biology. 22:R8-10
2. Zuk, M and TJ Orr (2010) Sex, Society, and peacock tails: sexual selection from Darwin to modern times. in Essays on Evolution. Roberts & Co., Publishers: Greenwood Village, CO, JB Losos, Ed
1. Yates, TL, CA Parmenter, JL Dunnum, BD Frank, WS Knapp, TJ Orr, D Wells (2004) (2003-2004) Semi- Annual Report, Longitudinal Studies of Hantavirus in Rodent Populations in the American Southwest
Other Publications (3)
Ortega, J, E Sanchez,* TJ Orr (2014) Book Review: Los Carnivoros de Chile by Airiate and Jaksic. In the Journal of Mammalogy. 95:655-656
Orr, TJ (2005) Book Review: Neanderthals and Modern Humans an Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective by Clive Finlayson. In the Journal of Mammalogy 86:847
Sherwin, RE and TJ Orr (2004) Book Review: Bats of the Rocky Mountain West by Rick Adams. In Acta Chiropterologica. 171–174
In Review (1)
Stephens*, SR, TJ Orr, MD Dearing. Chiseling Away at the Dogma of Dietary Specialization in Dipodomys microps. Manuscript available upon request. In-review at Diveristy
Research Grants and Fellowships
2018 Make Our Planet Great Again- Short-stay program, Campus France, to work with Dr. Elodie Magnanou (Banyuls-sur-Mer, France)
2018 Natural History Museum of Utah’s Science Communication Fellows Program, UU (declined)
2017 Young Scholars Award, Bonderman Field Station, UU, $2,500
2012 National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology, Broadening Participation $219,800
2012 Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, UC Berkeley $50,500 (declined)
2012 National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) Postdoctoral Fellowship $85,700 (declined)
2011 Shoemaker Award, UCR $1,000
2011 Newell Award, UCR $600
2009 UC MEXUS (University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States), Dissertation Research Grant $11,000
2009 Grant-In-Aide, American Society of Mammalogists $1,000
2009 Newell Award, UCR $600
2007-2011 Mini-grant (travel funds to attend conferences), UCR
2007 GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) Fellowship, UCR
2006 Research Project and Travel Grant, Office of Graduate Studies, UNM $1,000
2005- 2006 Graduate Research Allocations Committee, research grant, UNM $550
2005 Student Research Allocations Committee, research grant, UNM $500
2005 Research Project and Travel Grant, Office of Graduate Studies, UNM $900
2001 Undergraduate Research Award (travel funds to attend conferences), UNM
Teaching Experience (over 9 years)
University of Utah
2016 Guest lecture Mammalogy (1): Reproduction
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2014 Instructor Animal Behavior (designed and gave lectures, directed and organized labs)
2014 Guest lectures Mammalogy (2): Cetacea
University of California, Riverside
2010 Departmental seminar student organizer
2010 Guest lecture Animal Behavior (1): Hormones and Behavior
2007-2012 Teaching Assistant:
Functional Vertebrate Anatomy A and B (discussions and labs),
Animal Behavior (discussions and labs), History of Disease (discussions),
Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology (discussions)
2007 Teaching Assistant Development training
University of New Mexico
2004-2006 Teaching Assistant:
Ecology and Evolution (labs), Animal Physiology (labs), Cell Biology (discussions)
Mentoring Experience (2004-2018, 20 undergraduates and 3 graduates)
University of Utah, 2016-present
Mentor to ten undergraduates: KayLene Yamada (completed an undergraduate Honors thesis and currently a MS student at Auburn University), Lucero Lopez (Honors Program), Granger Cocke (a Co-author on a paper), Hayden Christensen (currently conducting an Honors thesis), Madeline Nelson, LeAundra Jeffs (currently a PhD student at the University of Delaware), Lane Mulvey, Sydney Stephens (Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) recipient 2016, Chevron Fellow 2017, ASM Honoraria Awardee), Madelina James (REFUGE program), Whitney Kenner (REU)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2013-2016
Mentor to four undergraduates: Jennifer Wen and Shelley Kratzer (Honors College), Jennifer Silva (Now Delmore, a Co-author on a paper),
Jenna McMahon (Biology Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (BURA))
University of California, Riverside, 2010-2012
Peer mentor to three incoming diversity graduate students (Nicholas Shirkey, Phillip Soto and Danielle Worth) as part of the NSF funded Graduate Mentoring Student Program; Mentor to two undergraduates: Caitlin Sanchez (a Co-author on a paper) and Carolyn Woodward, as well as several undergraduates from the labs of Drs. Ortega and Medellín, including Rubèn Gallicia (B.S., Universidad Nacional Autonoma México).
University of New Mexico, 2004-2007
Randall McCain (UMEB recipient, Undergraduate Mentorship in Environmental Biology, currently conducting graduate research with Dr. Cook at UNM); Margo Dimas (UMEB); Melissa Hawkins (UMEB); Camille McClarin (UMEB)
Academic Employment
2007-2009 Research Aide for Professor BO Wolf, KOFA National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, in association with UNM
2005- 2006 Research Assistant and graduate mentor to UMEB students, an NSF funded program, UNM
2004-2005 Field Technician, USGS Conservation Studies of Long-nosed Bats (Leptonycteris spp.), NM
2004 Abandoned Mine Surveys, Coeur Rochester Mine, Forest Service, Clark County, NV
2003-2004 Field Technician, New Mexico Hanta Virus Survey Crew, UNM
2002-2003 Student Researcher, UMEB, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
2002 Research Assistant, NASA PURSUE program, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
2001 Curatorial Aide, National Park Service, Chaco Culture Center, NM
1999-2003 Museum Assistant, Museum of Southwestern Biology, UNM
Invited Symposia (5)
2019 International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, Bat Evomorph Symposium (Prauge, Czech Republic)
Third International Symposium on Diapause (Monte Vérita, Switzerland)
2018 Science Retreat and Gordon Lark Symposium, School of Biological Sciences, UU (Salt Lake City, UT)
2017 Life-history trade-offs involving whole-organism performance. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting (New Orleans, LA)
2016 Intromittent Organ Symposium. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting (Portland, OR)
Invited Seminars (9)
2018 University of Missouri (Columbia, MO), Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA)
2017 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Dartmouth, MA), Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
2016 University of Chicago, Comparative Behavioral Workshop (Chicago, IL)
Darwin Day guest seminar, Weber State University (Ogden, UT)
2014 Biology Talent Advanced Program (BioTAP), Commonwealth Honors College and UMass Amherst as biological science majors seminar. UMass, Amherst (Amherst, MA)
2012 Life Sciences Colloquium seminar. Smith College (Northampton, MA)
2010 Departmental seminar. California State University San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA)
Presentations at Professional Conferences
Papers (26 total, *indicates undergraduate researchers)
2019 1 paper to be presented (abstract submitted: Orr, *Yamada, Shapiro, Dearing) the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Tampa, FL)
2018 3 papers presented
(Orr, Kitanovic, Schramm, Skopec, Wilderman, Halpert, Dearing) the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (San Francisco, CA); (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting, presented by Miss Stephens, a student ASM Honoraria recipient (Manhattan, KS)
2017 1 paper presented
(Orr, Kitanovic, Schramm, Skopec, Wilderman, Halpert, Dearing) the American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Moscow, ID)
2016 2 papers presented by co-authors
(Schultz, Lough-Stevens, Abreu, Orr, Dean) the Society for Evolution annual meeting (Austin, TX); (Hermanson, Dzal, Orr, *York, Parsons) Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Portland, OR)
2015 1 paper presented by co-author
(Hermanson, Dzal, Orr, *York, Parsons) North American Society for Bat Research annual meeting (Monterey, CA)
2014 2 papers presented
(Orr and Brennan) North American Symposium on Bat Research annual meeting (Albany, NY); and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Austin, TX)
2013 2 papers presented
(Orr and Brennan) Division of Vertebrate Morphology regional SICB meeting (New Haven, CT); Biology of Spermatozoa Conference (Derbyshire, UK)
2012 2 papers presented
(Orr, Hammond, and Ortega-Reyes) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Charleston, SC); (Orr, *Sanchez, Hammond) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Reno, NV)
2010 3 papers total - 2 presented by co-author (Pollux)
(Pollux, Oufiero, Banet, Orr, Meredith, Garland, Reznick) 4th Annual Western Evolutionary Biology Meeting (Irvine, CA) and Society for Evolution annual meeting (Portland, OR); (Orr, Hyde, Wolf) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Seattle, WA)
2009 3 papers presented
(Orr, Hyde and Wolf) North American Symposium for Bat Research (Portland, OR); (Orr, Lindenflors, Dalen, Angerbjoern and Garland) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Fairbanks, AK) and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Boston, MA)
2008 1 paper presented
(Orr and Zuk) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Brookings, SD)
2007 2 papers presented
(Orr and Zuk) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Albuquerque, NM); (Orr and Wolf) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Phoenix, AZ)
2006 3 papers presented
(Orr and Wolf) Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Memphis, TN); American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Amherst, MA); UNM Research Day (Albuquerque, NM)
2003 2 papers – 1 presented by co-author (Greenlee)
(Orr, Gannon, Greenlee, Racz); (Greenlee, Gannon, Orr, Racz) Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Savannah, GA)
Posters (23 total, *indicates undergraduate researchers)
2018 4 posters presented (Orr and Hayssen) at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (San Francisco, CA); (Miller, Orr, Dearing and Monga), and (Batagello, Orr, Monga, Dearing and Miller) the American Urological Association annual meeting (San Francisco, CA), (Orr, Yamada, Shapiro, Dearing) Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution satellite meeting: Molecular Evolution and the Cell (Deer Valley, UT)
2017 2 posters presented at the American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Moscow, ID) (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing); (Hayssen and Orr)
3 *student papers presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) (*Cocke, Kitanovic, Orr, Dearing); (*Stephens, Orr, Dearing); (*Yamada, Orr, Schramm, Skopec, Dearing)
2016 1 poster (*Cocke, Kitanovic, Orr, Dearing) Molecular Evolution Symposium (Salt Lake City, UT)
2014 2 posters both with *Silva as first author, North American Symposium on Bat Research (Albany, NY); UMass Undergraduate Research Day (Amherst, MA)
2013 3 posters at the 16th International Bat Research Conference/ North American Symposium on Bat Research, (San Jose, Costa Rica), Society for Evolution annual meeting (Snowbird, Utah), and 10th International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology (ICVM-10) (Barcelona, Spain)
2011 1 poster (Orr, Hammond, and Ortega-Reyes) Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology annual meeting (Salt Lake City, UT)
2010 2 posters: New Directions in Sexual Selection Research: Unifying behavioural and genomic approaches conference (Bath, UK), and American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Laramie, WY)
2007 Orr, Zuk. XIV International Bat Research Conference and 37th NASBR Conference (Merida, Mexico)
2006 2 posters with undergraduates as first authors *Dimas and *Hawkins at the Ecological Society of America annual meeting (Memphis, TN)
2005 (Orr, Mathiasan, Weise) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Springfield, MO)
2004 (Orr, *Hawkins, Gannon) Southwestern Association of Biologists annual meeting (Portal, AZ)
2003 (Orr, Racz, Gannon), and (Greenlee, Orr, Racz, Gannon) New Mexico-Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate conference (Socorro, NM)
2001 (Orr, Racz, Gannon) American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting (Missoula, MT)º first scientific conference
Reviewer for the following journals: Anatomical Record (1), Ecography (1), Evolution (3), Functional Ecology (2), Journal of Biologcial Rhythms (2), Journal of Mammalogy (3), Journal of Mammalian Evolution (1), Journal of Reproduction and Fertility (4), Journal of Zoology (2), Mammal Reviews (1), Physiological & Biochemical Zoology (3), PLOS ONE (5), Journal of Morphology (1)
Professional Memberships and Services
Animal Behavior Society since 2015
Reviewer of student grant proposals 2017
American Society of Mammalogists since 2000, life member;
Member of Human Diversity Committee 2012, 2017-present
Student member of Merriam Award Committee 2009-2010
Student presentation judge 2017
‘Writing Buddy’ for the Journal of Mammalogy – where I have mentored 4 non-native English speakers in preparation of their manuscripts
Czech Science Foundation, external reviewer 2018
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology since 2006
Poster judge: Division of Vertebrate Morphology and Division of Animal Behavior (2017, 2018)
North American Society for Bat Research since 2006
International Bat Research Conference, symposium organizer: reproductive anatomy and physiology 2016
International Society for Behavioral Ecology reviewer of 2016 meeting Abstracts
National Science Foundation external reviewer 2017
Ecological Society of America 2005-2006, 2011
Outreach and Student Training
2018 Presentation about bats to biomechanics teacher workshop at the Utah Museum of Natural History
2017 Presentation about bats to 30 mixed-age (single classroom school) elementary school students at Indian Church Village, Belize; Bat talk as part of the Utah Master Naturalist program (planned for October, 2017 at Rio Mesa, UT) to students and teachers from throughout Utah.
2014 IDEA -Institute for the Development of Educational Applications through UCR, joined as participant with goal of developing materials for students and instructors of Animal Behavior courses. http://idea.ucr.edu/
2014 Science Café presenter for UMass Amherst, OEB graduate student organized event
2011 Biology department tour for high-school students in the Upward Bound program, UCR
2010 EEOB teaching and program committee representative, UCR
2009 Biology web committee student representative, UCR
2009 Started public science blog ‘Bats Rock’ at www.batsrock.blogspot.com, over 47,006 views (as of August 2018)
2009 Educational presentation about bats to Boy Scout troop 780 (Rocky Mountain District)
2006 PROFOUND Undergraduate Research Day judge, UNM
2004 Portal, AZ, Long-term study site of JH Brown, aided in rodent trapping, UNM
2004 Student mentor: Undergraduate Mentorship in Environmental Biology Program, UNM
2004 Forest Service Camp, Jemez Mountains, educational presentation on bats to middle and high-school students
2003 Museum of Southwestern Biology tours for prospective biology students from local high-schools, UNM
2002 Educational bat presentation for biology teacher workshop, Albuquerque, NM
2001 Field volunteer, for dendrochronologist Dr. T. Windes of NPS Chaco Culture Center, NM
RELEVANT SKILLS
Workshops and Training
Engaging with the Media (2018, UU)
Wilderness First Aide Certification (2017, UU)
Mentor Training workshop (2016, UU)
Finite Element Modeling in Biology workshop (2013, UMass Amherst): Geomagic, Mimics
Computer Automated Semen Analysis (CASA) workshop (2012, University of Sheffield, UK)
Animal Care and Use training certification: UU (2015), UMass Amherst (2013) and UCR (2006)
Field techniques: small mammal capture and release since 2002 including over 10,000 trap nights (Sherman, Tomahawks, Museum Special), mist netting (bats and birds), hand-netting (bats), bird banding assistant, pit-fall traps (insects and shrews), harp traps (bats), technical rope work and underground safety trained, radio telemetry, GPS use (Garmin and Trimble), map use, small vertebrate blood collection, mark-recapture techniques for small mammals and birds, anesthesia use including CO2 and portable (isoflourane) anesthesia machine, respirator (Hepa and PAPR) trained, infrared camera use, Anabat equipment use, including CF Card and ZCAIM. Woodrat colony management since 2016 including feeding trials, monitoring health and general maintenance.
Sample processing skills: blood sample preparation, isotope sample preparation (C13, N15) including doubly-labeled water (H2, O18) sample preparation and distillation, Liquid-Water Isotope Analysis using output spectroscopy, museum specimen prepping, necropsy techniques and skeletal preparation, milk analysis (Roese-Gottlieb, and phenol-sulfuric acid assays), headspace gas chromatography, DNA extractions for microsatellite analysis, some PCR; Bradford protein determination.
Microscopy: paraffin-based histology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (including: scope, critical point dryer use, gold-sputtering), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM biological sample preparation), µCT scanning of soft-tissue.
Computer programs and data analysis: ArcGIS, ANABAT, ANALOOK, CRIMESTAT, DATAGET, Endnote, Excel, GeneMapper, GPower, ImageJ, IndSpec4.0, MapSource, MATLAB, MESQUITE, Minitab, SPSS, some R.
International Research Experience
Belize: 5 years of mist-netting (including stacked nets, over water netting) and harp trapping of bats, kinematics of vampire bats while running (on treadmills)
Costa Rica: Sherman and snap trapping for terrestrial and arboreal rodents in cloud-forest sites including; Cerro de la Muerte and tropical forests. Hand-netting of disk-winged bats in Heliconia fields- Osa Peninsula
Mexico: plant surveys; Yucatan (El Eden Field Station), rodent trapping; Sonora, bat netting; Puebla, and Moreleos
Panama: bat mist-netting Barro Colorado Island, Sherman traps with Institute of Health (SALUD)
Trinidad and Tobago: hand and mist netting of bats throughout the island of Trinidad
United Kingdom: Drosophila ‘fly-pushing’ in the lab of Dr. David Hosken including husbandry, sexing, anesthesia, dissections and experimental design. Project in progress and soon to be in manuscript form
Languages: German (fluent), Spanish (conversational), French (intermediate)