Andrew Dolby, professor of biology at the University of Mary Washington, has been recognized with the James Eike Service Award for his outstanding service to the Virginia Society of Ornithology.
Named for James Eike, a member of the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) for 50 years, the award recognizes members with notable dedication and enthusiasm. Dolby first joined VSO in 2001 and has served in numerous capacities, including as president for two years beginning in 2011. In addition, Dolby organized and managed two successful VSO annual meetings and chaired the Society’s Annual Meetings in 2012 and 2013. Most recently, he became the editor of VSO’s peer-reviewed scientific journal.
“It has been my pleasure to serve,” said Dolby, who is an expert on avian behavior. “It is a model organization that brings together professional scientists, wildlife managers, and other engaged citizens who all share a common interest in studying and protecting Virginia’s birds.”
As an ornithologist and behavioral ecologist, Dolby has been teaching courses on animal behavior, ecology, evolution and ornithology since he joined the UMW faculty in 2000.
His areas of research include mixed-species flocking behavior, the evolution of bird song complexity and the avian physiological stress response to multiple environmental factors. In 2010, Dolby and UMW Associate Professor of Biology Deborah O’Dell were awarded a research grant by VSO for their joint project “Enzyme Immunoassay Quantification of Heat Shock Protein 60.”
Dolby’s research has been published in numerous publications, including The Auk, Journal of Field Ornithology and Behavioral Ecology.
Dolby earned a doctorate from Ohio State University, a master’s degree from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University.
