Natalie Bloomston
Educational Background:
M.S. - Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming May 2021
B.A. - Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL December 2017
Research Experience:
University of Wyoming, Dr. Jonathan Prather Lab
June 2018 - May 2021
Graduate Research. For my masters research, I worked under Dr. Prather to investigate the neural mechanisms that underlie the decision making process in female songbirds. Through these projects, I have developed skills in surgical techniques involving the focal placement of a molecule within a specific brain site, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and animal behavior.
Auburn University, Dr. Haruka Wada Lab
May 2016 - May 2017
Laboratory Coordinator. In this capacity, I assisted with studies of zebra finches and the effects of stress on their development of sexual characteristics. I managed the overall care of zebra finches within the aviary, assessed their well being, managed undergraduate research assistants to ensure that all care and husbandry tasks were done daily.
College of William and Mary
May 2016
Undergraduate Research Assistant. I traveled with a graduate assistant in the Wada Lab (above) to assist on two collaborative projects: one examining the effect of dietary methylmercury on oxidative stress in zebra finches, and another examining the impact of heat tolerance on the maintenance of sexual characteristics in zebra finches. As part of these projects, I became proficient in surgical techniques to collect blood and tissue samples from zebra finches for histological study and in proper storage and transport of tissue samples.
Scott-Ritchey Research Center
August 2014 - August 2015
Undergraduate Research Assistant. I provided animal husbandry for dogs affected with muscular dystrophy. As part of that experience, I recorded daily observations of animal health and status, assisted veterinarians with physical examinations, and assisted veterinarians with administration of appropriate medicines.
Publications:
Bloomston, N.A., Zaharas, K., Lawley, K., Fenn, T., Person, E., Huber, H., Zhang, Z., & Prather, J.F. (2022). Caudal nidopallium neurons in female songbirds link sensory perception to movement and behavioral motivation. Journal of Comparative Neurology.
Bloomston, N. A., & Prather, J. F. (2021a). Language. In J. Vonk & T. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior (pp. 1–13). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1638-1
Bloomston, N. A., & Prather, J. F. (2021b). Prisoner’s Dilemma. In J. Vonk & T. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior (pp. 1–8). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1404-1
Teaching Experience:
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
August 2018 - May 2019
LIFE Sciences Program graduate teaching assistant - Courses taught:
Lee Scott Academy, Auburn, AL
July 2017:
Smiths Station High School, Smiths Station, AL
December 2015 - April 2016
I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn.
Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.
-George Petrie, The Auburn University Creed