Dr. Robert Feranec

Director of Research and Collections, Curator of Pleistocene Vertebrate Paleontology
robert.feranec@nysed.gov
518-474-5819

While my interests encompass a broad scope of topics including influences on biogeography, causes of speciation and adaptive radiation, and triggers of extinction, my research has been focused at describing the evolution of ecology in mammals.  My research concentrates on examining ecology in mammals from short time scales (seasons) to very long time scales (millions of years). 

In order to understand ecology of fossil mammals, the modern quantitative and analytical techniques I employ include stable isotope geochemistry, utilization of bioinformatics databases, and computer-based imaging of fossils which permits quantitative analysis of various morphological features.  Fieldwork is also an important aspect of my research program, and I have conducted or participated in excavations in the U.S. and Spain. 

Typical questions addressed in my research include:

How does climate change effect ecology?
Does ecology change during development?
Does immigration/dispersal of new species affect ecology?
Does extinction/extirpation of species affect ecology?

I am interested and open to collaboration within and beyond North America.  Potential collaborators, including current or potential graduate students, are encouraged to email me.

Publications

2003

D. Staley, M.S. LoRusso, V. Schmitt 2003, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for PIN 7012.09.101/BIN 1-03950-0, Ny 180 over the Chaumont River, Hamlet of LaFargeville, Town of Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

2001

A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey Report of OGS 40469/S6142, Construct Maintenance Subheadquarters, DOT Region 2, State Dam Road, Alder Creek, Town of Boonville (MCD06504),Oneida County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS Project Number 41207/S6725, Upgrade Water Storage Distribution System, MacCormick Secure Center, Town of Caroline (MCD 10901), Tompkins County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, New York State Museum Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS Project Number 41135, Construct Maintenance Subheadquarters, DOT Region 8, Hamlet of Millwood, Town of New Castle (MCD 11909), Westchester County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS 41207/S6725, Upgrade Water Storage Distribution System, MacCormick Secure Center, Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

1999

V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1999, Addendum to PIN 2009.13.121, NY 167 over Barge Canal and Mohawk River, City of Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1999, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for PIN 2009.12.121, NY 167 over Barge Canal and Mohawk River, City of Little Falls, NY. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

1998

N. Davis, V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1998, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for PIN 3752.33.101, Black Creek Bridge/Erie Canal, Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt, N. Davis, M.S. LoRusso 1998, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for PIN 3752.33.101, Black Creek Bridge/Erie Canal, Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York