PhD Student
Co-advisor: Justine Smith, University of California, Davis
Ellie’s research interests include species interactions such as competition and predation, wildlife movement and habitat use, interactions between wildlife and humans, and island ecology. Her PhD research is in partnership with the National Park Service at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and examines mule deer behavior, spatial ecology, and predator-prey interactions with mountain lions relative to wildfire, human activity, and human development in the greater Los Angeles area. Her master’s research took place on the California Channel Islands. She investigated appropriate methods for monitoring island spotted skunks, and evaluated microhabitat associations and temporal activity by island spotted skunks and island foxes that may facilitate coexistence between the two. Outside of research, Ellie engages in initiatives to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and science.
Education
MS: Ecology, University of California, Davis
BA: Environmental Studies, Religious Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Publications
Bolas, E. C., R. Sollmann, K. R. Crooks, E. E. Boydston, L. Shaskey, C. L. Boser, A. Dillon, and D. H. Van Vuren. 2021. Role of microhabitat and temporal activity in facilitating coexistence of endemic carnivores on the California Channel Islands. Journal of Mammalogy: gyab125. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyab125
Bolas, E.C., R. Sollmann, K. R. Crooks, L. Shaskey, C. L. Boser, V. Bakker, A. Dillon, D. H. Van Vuren. 2020. Assessing Methods for Detecting Island Spotted Skunks. Wildlife Society Bulletin 44:309-313.
Agha, M.*, T. Batter*, E. C. Bolas*, A. C. Collins*, D. Gomes da Rocha*, C. M. Monteza-Moreno*, S. Preckler-Quisquarter*, R. Sollmann*. 2018. A Review of Wildlife Camera Trapping Trends Across Africa. African Journal of Ecology 56:694–701. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12565. *Authors contributed equally
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