Heather Proctor, MSc, BSc, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Ecology Evolution Systematics Symbioses Invertebrates Arthropoda Acariformes Parasitiformes

About

Please see my lab website: https://hproctorlabuofa.blog/

Research

My main research area comprises the ecology, evolution, systematics and behaviour of mites (Arachnida: Acari). Within this fascinating and diverse subclass there are three groups in which I am most interested: aquatic mites, soil mites, and feather mites. My theoretical research areas include the community ecology of freshwater and soil invertebrates, determinants of biodiversity, co-evolution of hosts and symbionts, and both macro- and microevolutionary aspects of sexual selection. 

Current Personal Projects (not a complete list!)

• Cleaning and protective symbioses in terrestrial and freshwater animals
• Host-associations of Albertan feather mites.
• Sexual selection and diversification in mites

Current Student Projects

• Correlations between host morphology and feather mite morphology and diversity
• Freshwater snails and their symbiotic annelids
• Crayfish reproductive success and influence of branchiobdellid worms

Prospective Students: for the most current information about whether I am accepting new graduate students, check this page: https://hproctorlabuofa.blog/prospective-students/

Dr. Proctor is a participant in the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) program sponsored by NSERC CREATE.

ZOOL 250 - Survey of the Invertebrates

The functional anatomy and life cycles of the major invertebrate taxa are emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100.

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