I am a Ph.D. student and ornithologist at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.
I have a decade of experience in scientific research working on a variety of projects from evolutionary biology and systematics to behavior analysis
I'm Emily Griffith
WHAT I'm all about
DATA
From fresh molecular data to old museum specimens, I aspire to tell stories about our
natural world through bioinformatics.
DESIGN
I use my skills in illustration and graphic design to create beautiful and powerful visual tools for communication.
DUCKS
My current research for my Ph.D. focuses on the evolution of sexually dimorphic plumage in ducks using modern genomic methods.
SELECT RESEARCH
EXAMPLES OF MY PAST & CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
EVOLUTION OF TARSAL SPURS
How did game birds evolve weapons on their legs, and what is their use in females?
LONG-EARED OWL PLUMAGE
What is the difference between an owl with dark, light, or intermediate plumage - and why do their feathers glow pink?
DUCK
DIMORPHISM
Why do male and female ducks look different from one another, and what genes control their plumage color?
ARTIST COLLABORATIONS
A core component of my research program is seeking avenues to make science accessible to a large range of audiences. One of the ways I strive to do this is by collaborating with visual artists to communicate my research through illustrations and comics.
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with MassArt Science Communication & Comics class, where student artist Mandi O’Grady created a beautiful full four-page comic about my doctoral research on the relationship between duck plumage color, sex, and genetics. You can read it here.
TEACHING & MENTORING
As an educator, I try to instill comprehensive lifelong skills in applying the scientific method to stimulate innovation and foster discovery. I aspire to connect with my students by learning their individual goals and aspirations and aim to help them develop important and practical skills that go beyond the classroom.
Some of the courses I have participated in as either a teaching assistant or instructor of record include:
Introductory Biology
Evolution
Plant & Animal ID
Systematics
Ornithology
Capstone Research
SCIENCE
IS MAGIC
I think every person can be a scientist. Because of that, I often use my skills in public speaking to lead museum collection tours, create and lead educational seminars for children, and occasionally a perform a magic trick.
Through my research, teaching, mentorship, and volunteering I am committed to using the opportunities I am given to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. As a queer female scientist, I aspire to increase the visibility of LGBT+ individuals in my field and strive to inspire young individuals to follow their interest in scientific inquiry regardless any obstacle that they may believe limits their ability to pursue an education or career in the sciences.
LET'S GET CONNECTED
Email
evg33@drexel.edu
Address
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Ornithology Department
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA