Rebecca Taylor, Ph.D.
I am a principal investigator who develops new statistical techniques and modifies state-of the-art analytical approaches for complex problems and intractable data.
I focus on hard to study species, and I routinely work in both Bayesian and frequentist paradigms. I create explanatory and predictive models, and I also use methods such as causal inference techniques (directed acyclic graphs, propensity score matching), decision tree algorithms and boosting methods, and nonparametric methods. I program in compiled and interpreted languages, including R. I collaborate locally, nationally, and internationally, with other scientists and statisticians in federal agencies, state agencies, academia, and the private sector.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2009 Montana State University-Bozeman, MT Fish and Wildlife Biology
M.S. 2008 Montana State University-Bozeman, MT Statistics
M.S. 2001 Montana State University-Bozeman, MT Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
B.S. 1991 University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI Natural Science with majors in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology
Science and Products
Design considerations for estimating survival rates with standing age structures Design considerations for estimating survival rates with standing age structures
Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic
Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses
Walrus haul-out and in water activity levels relative to sea ice availability in the Chukchi Sea Walrus haul-out and in water activity levels relative to sea ice availability in the Chukchi Sea
Space use of a dominant Arctic vertebrate: Effects of prey, sea ice, and land on Pacific walrus resource selection Space use of a dominant Arctic vertebrate: Effects of prey, sea ice, and land on Pacific walrus resource selection
Daniel Goodman’s empirical approach to Bayesian statistics Daniel Goodman’s empirical approach to Bayesian statistics
Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens): 1974-2006 Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens): 1974-2006
Potential population-level effects of increased haulout-related mortality of Pacific walrus calves Potential population-level effects of increased haulout-related mortality of Pacific walrus calves
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
Design considerations for estimating survival rates with standing age structures Design considerations for estimating survival rates with standing age structures
Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic
Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses
Walrus haul-out and in water activity levels relative to sea ice availability in the Chukchi Sea Walrus haul-out and in water activity levels relative to sea ice availability in the Chukchi Sea
Space use of a dominant Arctic vertebrate: Effects of prey, sea ice, and land on Pacific walrus resource selection Space use of a dominant Arctic vertebrate: Effects of prey, sea ice, and land on Pacific walrus resource selection
Daniel Goodman’s empirical approach to Bayesian statistics Daniel Goodman’s empirical approach to Bayesian statistics
Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens): 1974-2006 Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens): 1974-2006
Potential population-level effects of increased haulout-related mortality of Pacific walrus calves Potential population-level effects of increased haulout-related mortality of Pacific walrus calves
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.