Biography

Jim Hayward received his Ph.D. in zoology from Washington State University.  He teaches General Ecology, Issues in Origins and Speciation, and a senior seminar course on research methods and bioethics.  Hayward has investigated the communication, habitat selection and reproductive success of gulls, and experimentally evaluates physical and chemical processes that promote eggshell fossilization in dinosaurs.  He also co-directs the interdisciplinary Seabird Ecology Team which develops mathematical models to forecast the behavioral ecology of marine animals.  Hayward's research has been funded by grants from Sigma Xi, The American Museum of Natural History, Andrews University, and the National Science Foundation.

Current Research or Professional Activities

My research interests range from community ecology and paleoecology to the history of science. I enjoy teaching courses in ecology, bioethics, research methods, and the history of life.

Since the early 1970s, I have been interested in the behavioral ecology of seabirds, bald eagles, and harbor seals in Washington State. In 1980, the ring-billed and California gull nests and eggs I was studying in eastern Washington were completely buried by Mount St. Helen's ash. One year later, I found entire nests and eggs preserved beneath the ash. This led to my interest in the fossilization of bird (avian dinosaur!) and non-avian dinosaur eggs.

Currently, as co-director of the Seabird Ecology Team, my research is centered at Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington. Our team is developing mathematical models that make accurate, long-range predictions of the habitat occupancy and behavioral dynamics of seabirds and harbor seals. We also are examining the feeding ecology of bald eagles. Our research is based at the Walla Walla College Marine Station and is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Before joining Andrews University in 1986, I taught biology at Southwestern Union College, Texas, Walla Walla College, Washington, and Union College, Nebraska. At Andrews, I currently teach General Ecology, Issues in Origins and Speciation, and Questions in Biology (research methods and bioethics components). I also serve as the pre-dentistry and pre-optometry advisor for the university.

I enjoy reading, writing, walking, backpacking, and exploring natural areas, especially the mountains and islands of the Pacific Northwest and the sand dunes of Lake Michigan.


'Predicting the dynamics of animal behaviour in field populations.'
S.M. Henson, B. Dennis, J.L. Hayward, J.M. Cuhing, and J.G. Galusha 2007
Animal Behaviour 74:103-110