Heather Proctor, MSc, BSc, PhD

Professor, Faculty of Science - Biological Sciences

Contact

Professor, Faculty of Science - Biological Sciences
Email
hproctor@ualberta.ca
Phone
(780) 492-5704
Address
CW-448 Bio Science - Centre Wing
11355 - Saskatchewan Drive
Edmonton AB
T6G 2E9

Overview

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.

Courses

BIOL 395 - Field Course in Biology

Covers special topics of current interest in biology pertaining specifically to field opportunities. This course may be held outside of Edmonton at one or more off-campus locations either domestically or internationally, and may require additional on-campus coursework. This course requires payment of additional miscellaneous fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. See departmental website for BIOL 395 offered sections. Prerequisite: second year Biological Sciences course and permission of instructor. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.


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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