Jamie Palmer

Education:

M.S., 2011. University of Missouri - St. Louis; Thesis: Seroprevalence of Malarial Antibodies in Galapagos Penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus)
B.S. Biology, Emphasis in Zoology, 2005. San Francisco State University

Professional Experience:

2005-2007. Quarantine Keeper, Saint Louis Zoo
2007-2009. Ungulate Keeper, Saint Louis Zoo

Research Interests:

My areas of interest are in ecology and conservation biology. My work looks at the effects of introduced diseases, specifically malaria, on the endangered Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), endemic to the Galapagos Islands. My master's thesis focuses on the immunological response of the Galapagos penguin to malarial infection. Through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), I am testing Galapagos penguins for the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. antibodies to determine the extent of exposure to this parasite. By determining the extent of exposure to Plasmodium in these penguins, we can take the next step in conservation planning for this species.