​Dr. Scott Shaffer
scott.shaffer@sjsu.edu


​Educational Background
Ph.D. Biology 
University of California, Santa Cruz 2000

M.S. Marine Science
University of California, Santa Cruz 1996

B.S. Biology
San Diego State University 1993

​
Courses Taught
BIOL 31: Principles of Biology II
BIOL 106: Physiological Ecology
BIOL 110: Foundations in Biodiversity
BIOL 114: Functional Morphology
BIOL 160: Ecology
BIOL 163: Conservation Biology
BIOL 220: Science Communication


​Research Interests
My research focuses on the ecology and conservation of birds and mammals, especially marine species. Underlying themes include studies that examine the links between foraging behavior, energy expenditure, at-sea distribution, and predator-prey interactions. This research uses a variety of techniques including isotopic tracers, heart rate loggers, and respirometry to measure energy expenditure, and state of the art electronics like GPS loggers, satellite telemetry, archival geolocation data loggers, and VHF radio tags to study foraging behavior, activity, distribution, and habitat use of free-ranging animals.