Shannon Hackett and John Bates both work on the systematics and biogeography of Neotropical birds. Bates works mainly at lower taxonomic levels studying the genetic structure of bird species distributed in South America. He is also continuing research investigating the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation. Hackett conducts systematic research at higher taxonomic levels: species, generic, familial. Currently, she is continuing a systematic project on the avian family Pipridae, where she is studying genetic, syringeal, behavioral, and plumage evolution, and biogeography. David Willard conducts research on distribution of East African montane birds and on the demography and morphometrics of Illinois migrants. Melvin A. Traylor, Jr, continues working on the systematics of South American birds. Other Zoology Research: Amphibians and Reptiles | Birds | Fishes | Insects | Invertebrates | Mammals