Stonefly larvae, a type of aquatic macroinvertebrate. These individuals were collected for display during the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Jennifer Malpass, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Malpass is a biologist within Partner and Employee Engagement Team at the U.S. Geological Survey's Eastern Ecological Science Center.
Dr. Malpass became part of the Partner and Employee Engagement Team in 2021 after the combine of Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge and Leetown Science Center into the Eastern Ecological Science Center.
Most of Dr. Malpass's professional work has focused on birds, urbanization, science communication, and community (citizen) science. She collaborated on various U.S. and international wildlife projects before joining the USGS in 2017. During her tenure at the Bird Banding Lab (2017-2020), she helped manage over 80 million records of banded and encountered birds, led novel collaborations with external organizations (non-governmental organizations, academia, agencies), and connected people to wildlife using nature’s greatest ambassadors: birds.
In addition to her duties as a biologist, Dr. Malpass also serves as a Diversity Change Agent, a cohort of Department of Interior employees advancing diversity and inclusion as mission critical imperatives, and a Peer Support Worker, a grassroots initiative within U.S. Geological Survey to promote awareness and provide outreach and education on topics and policies related to anti-harassment, discrimination, biases, and scientific integrity.
Professional Experience
Federal Fisheries Summit facilitator and planning team (detail), Ecosystems Mission Area. U.S. Geological Survey Headquarters, VA. 2022-2023.
Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager (detail), Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office. US Geological Survey Headquarters, VA. 2020-2021.
Acting Chief (detail), Bird Banding Lab. US Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, MD. 2020.
Research Assistant, Refuge Program. US Fish and Wildlife Service Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, MA. 2016.
Directorate Fellow, Migratory Bird Program. US Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region, MA. 2015.
Yard Birds Project Coordinator, School of Environment and Natural Resources. The Ohio State University, OH. 2011-2015.
Research Assistant, Neighborhood Nestwatch. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, DC. 2010.
Research Assistant, Rusty Blackbird Technical Group. US Forest Service, MS. 2009-2010.
Research Assistant, State University of New York Stonybrook Anthropology Department. Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. 2008-2009.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2015. Fisheries and Wildlife Science.
B.A., Colby College, 2008. Biology (Honors), Classics Language and Literature. Summa cum laude.
Organization of Tropical Studies, 2006. South African Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management.
Affiliations and Memberships*
Peer Support Worker, 2020. US Geological Survey.
Diversity Change Agent, 2018. Department of Interior.
Associate Wildlife Biologist©, 2016. The Wildlife Society.
Science and Products
Stonefly larvae, a type of aquatic macroinvertebrate. These individuals were collected for display during the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center staff prepare for public visitors at the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative booth, part of the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the Leetown Research Laboratory.
USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center staff prepare for public visitors at the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative booth, part of the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the Leetown Research Laboratory.
Hellgrammites are the larval form of Dobson flies. These individuals were collected as part of the aquatic macroinvertebrates booth at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House hosted by the USGS's Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Hellgrammites are the larval form of Dobson flies. These individuals were collected as part of the aquatic macroinvertebrates booth at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House hosted by the USGS's Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
An American toad, Anaxyrus americanus, is included as part of the exhibit booth "Exploring Amphibians of the Northeast" at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
An American toad, Anaxyrus americanus, is included as part of the exhibit booth "Exploring Amphibians of the Northeast" at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Matt Burgess from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office pilots a drone over research ponds at the Eastern Ecological Science Center as part of a methods development campaign to examine how multiple types of remote sensors may be used to map and identify algae, including those that lead to Harmful Algal Blooms.
Matt Burgess from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office pilots a drone over research ponds at the Eastern Ecological Science Center as part of a methods development campaign to examine how multiple types of remote sensors may be used to map and identify algae, including those that lead to Harmful Algal Blooms.
A USGS researcher pilots a drone over the Leetown Research Laboratory ponds as part of an effort to explore how remote sensing may be able to inform efforts to identify and track the extent of Harmful Algal Blooms.
A USGS researcher pilots a drone over the Leetown Research Laboratory ponds as part of an effort to explore how remote sensing may be able to inform efforts to identify and track the extent of Harmful Algal Blooms.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
These Delaware breed chickens are part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
These Delaware breed chickens are part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures an adult Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter in its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures an adult Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter in its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures a juvenile Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures a juvenile Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Damon Jenkins surveys a wetland at Great Falls National Park in Virginia as part of Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative work in the US Capitol region.
Damon Jenkins surveys a wetland at Great Falls National Park in Virginia as part of Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative work in the US Capitol region.
Charlie Shafer and Damon Jenkins survey a trailside wetland for amphibians and measure environmental variables, like water temperature, as part of the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.
Charlie Shafer and Damon Jenkins survey a trailside wetland for amphibians and measure environmental variables, like water temperature, as part of the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.
A researcher bands an endangered Least Tern chick on Poplar Island, MD
A researcher bands an endangered Least Tern chick on Poplar Island, MD
A least tern chick rests in the sand before being banded on Poplar Island, MD
A least tern chick rests in the sand before being banded on Poplar Island, MD
The Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab staff and volunteers will collect these seed heads for future use in the learning garden or for distribution to the public to plant on their own properties.
The Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab staff and volunteers will collect these seed heads for future use in the learning garden or for distribution to the public to plant on their own properties.
The buffy “teardrops” you see on some of the feathers indicate that this Swainson's Thrush hatched this summer and is making its first-ever migratory journey! This bird that was banded October 1, 2021 at the Bird Banding Lab’s fall migration banding station at Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland.
The buffy “teardrops” you see on some of the feathers indicate that this Swainson's Thrush hatched this summer and is making its first-ever migratory journey! This bird that was banded October 1, 2021 at the Bird Banding Lab’s fall migration banding station at Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland.
Two double-crested cormorant chicks in their nest on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Two double-crested cormorant chicks in their nest on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Three biologists with the USGS Bird Banding Lab at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center prepare to band pelican chicks on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay.
Three biologists with the USGS Bird Banding Lab at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center prepare to band pelican chicks on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay.
The bee lab
Eastern Ecological Science Center — Fish and aquatic animal health
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 25Stonefly larvae
Stonefly larvae, a type of aquatic macroinvertebrate. These individuals were collected for display during the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Stonefly larvae, a type of aquatic macroinvertebrate. These individuals were collected for display during the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Earth Day NEARMI boothUSGS Eastern Ecological Science Center staff prepare for public visitors at the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative booth, part of the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the Leetown Research Laboratory.
USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center staff prepare for public visitors at the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative booth, part of the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the Leetown Research Laboratory.
HellgrammitesHellgrammites are the larval form of Dobson flies. These individuals were collected as part of the aquatic macroinvertebrates booth at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House hosted by the USGS's Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Hellgrammites are the larval form of Dobson flies. These individuals were collected as part of the aquatic macroinvertebrates booth at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House hosted by the USGS's Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
American toadAn American toad, Anaxyrus americanus, is included as part of the exhibit booth "Exploring Amphibians of the Northeast" at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
An American toad, Anaxyrus americanus, is included as part of the exhibit booth "Exploring Amphibians of the Northeast" at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration and Open House at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center - Leetown Research Laboratory.
Matt Burgess pilots a drone over research pondsMatt Burgess from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office pilots a drone over research ponds at the Eastern Ecological Science Center as part of a methods development campaign to examine how multiple types of remote sensors may be used to map and identify algae, including those that lead to Harmful Algal Blooms.
Matt Burgess from the USGS National Uncrewed Systems Office pilots a drone over research ponds at the Eastern Ecological Science Center as part of a methods development campaign to examine how multiple types of remote sensors may be used to map and identify algae, including those that lead to Harmful Algal Blooms.
Drone flight at LeetownA USGS researcher pilots a drone over the Leetown Research Laboratory ponds as part of an effort to explore how remote sensing may be able to inform efforts to identify and track the extent of Harmful Algal Blooms.
A USGS researcher pilots a drone over the Leetown Research Laboratory ponds as part of an effort to explore how remote sensing may be able to inform efforts to identify and track the extent of Harmful Algal Blooms.
Chicken on perchA Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
Two Delaware chickensThese Delaware breed chickens are part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
These Delaware breed chickens are part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
Chicken on groundA Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.
Micah sutures adult sturgeonUSGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures an adult Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter in its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures an adult Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter in its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
Micah implanting transmitter in sturgeonUSGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures a juvenile Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
USGS research fishery biologist Micah Kieffer sutures a juvenile Atlantic sturgeon after implanting an acoustic transmitter its abdomen as part of efforts by USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and partners to better understand sturgeon movements in the Gulf of Maine. This project was funded by the U.S.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum)Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Side view of spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum)Side view of spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum)Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
Spotted salamander larva (Ambystoma maculatum) sampled in Great Falls National Park, VA as part of NEARMI surveys.
NEARMI sampling in Great Falls National ParkDamon Jenkins surveys a wetland at Great Falls National Park in Virginia as part of Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative work in the US Capitol region.
Damon Jenkins surveys a wetland at Great Falls National Park in Virginia as part of Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative work in the US Capitol region.
NEARMI sampling next to trailCharlie Shafer and Damon Jenkins survey a trailside wetland for amphibians and measure environmental variables, like water temperature, as part of the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.
Charlie Shafer and Damon Jenkins survey a trailside wetland for amphibians and measure environmental variables, like water temperature, as part of the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.
Banding a least tern chickA researcher bands an endangered Least Tern chick on Poplar Island, MD
A researcher bands an endangered Least Tern chick on Poplar Island, MD
Least tern on Poplar IslandA least tern chick rests in the sand before being banded on Poplar Island, MD
A least tern chick rests in the sand before being banded on Poplar Island, MD
Pollinator seed headsThe Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab staff and volunteers will collect these seed heads for future use in the learning garden or for distribution to the public to plant on their own properties.
The Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab staff and volunteers will collect these seed heads for future use in the learning garden or for distribution to the public to plant on their own properties.
Swainson_thrush_hatchyearThe buffy “teardrops” you see on some of the feathers indicate that this Swainson's Thrush hatched this summer and is making its first-ever migratory journey! This bird that was banded October 1, 2021 at the Bird Banding Lab’s fall migration banding station at Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland.
The buffy “teardrops” you see on some of the feathers indicate that this Swainson's Thrush hatched this summer and is making its first-ever migratory journey! This bird that was banded October 1, 2021 at the Bird Banding Lab’s fall migration banding station at Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland.
Cormorant chicks in nestTwo double-crested cormorant chicks in their nest on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Two double-crested cormorant chicks in their nest on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Preparing for pelican banding.Three biologists with the USGS Bird Banding Lab at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center prepare to band pelican chicks on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay.
Three biologists with the USGS Bird Banding Lab at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center prepare to band pelican chicks on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay.
- Publications
The bee lab
IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Bee Lab is a collaborative interagency joint venture and international leader for bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) identification, survey design, quantification of bee and plant interrelations, and development and maintenance of occurrence databases. Each of these objectives supports native bee conservation by providing critical data and tools for the UnitedAuthorsSam Droege, Elise R. Irwin, Jenn Malpass, Jonathan R. MawdsleyEastern Ecological Science Center — Fish and aquatic animal health
Science provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) helps to protect fish and aquatic animal health and support disease management of our Nation’s fisheries and aquatic animal populations. Our capabilities and expertise span diverse, yet highly integrated disciplines related to all aspects of biology, ecology, and animal health. Our scientists work to ideAuthorsChristine L. Densmore, Jenn MalpassNon-USGS Publications**
Nest predators, but not nest survival, differ between adjacent urban habitats. Urban Ecosystems 2018-06 | Journal article. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0725-7Species-dependent effects of bird feeders on nest predators and nest survival of urban American Robins and Northern Cardinals. The Condor 2017-02 | Journal article. DOI: 10.1650/condor-16-72.1Competition and habitat quality influence age and sex distribution in wintering rusty blackbirds. PLOS One. 2015-05 | Journal article. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123775Woody cover does not promote activity of nest predators in residential yards. Landscape and Urban Planning. 2015-03 | Journal article. DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.11.004**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- News
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government