Cover Letter My name is Scotty Hardwick and I am an experienced research biologist.

In June of 2008, I received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington in General Biology. Since this time I have gain invaluable lab and field experience through my different research positions. This along with my education and outdoorsman past make me the perfect candidate for this position. I have been preparing for graduate school since the junior year of my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, through my numerous research experiences. As an undergraduate I worked with Dr. John Marzluff on an independent research project investigating whether American Crows label their potential predators using their vocalizations. This project was done using predator mounts, which were placed at a site and the crows responses to the predators were documented. I observed the crows behavioral and vocal responses to the mounts. To conclude my undergraduate research I ran statistical analyses on the data and presented my results at an undergraduate research symposium at the University of Washington. Once graduated, I was employed by Dr. Marzluff to work on a project analyzing crows vocal responses to people in masks, to determine if they had the ability to distinguish among human faces. This was done by digitally analyzing the vocalizations using audio analysis software. In another aspect of this study, I followed a young crow using radio telemetry to test the cultural transmission of facial recognition. Once the facial recognition study was completed, I was employed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on a project focused on competition between the endangered Western Grey Squirrel and the invasive Eastern Grey Squirrel. The main focus of this project was to determine whether competition for resources or differences in habitat selection cause the squirrels to inhabit separate areas. As a part of this project I took measurements of the squirrels nests. To locate these nests I used GPS and map and compass, often navigating through a dense understory to get to the nest trees. Once a nest tree was found, I recorded numerous measurements about the tree and the state of the nest, including tree species, DBH, and height. In April of 2009, I began working on a long term study documenting the effects of urbanization on songbird fecundity, density, and longevity, focusing particularly on the effects of forest fragmentation and deforestation. As part of this work I mist netted a variety of species of songbirds. Over a four month period, I spot mapped the birds locations to establish their territories and reproductive success. This research experience has made me a well rounded researcher covering a broad range of topics and tasks. I am interested in gaining research experience studying large mammals. Much of my research experience thus far has focused on the avian taxa. I took the position studying squirrels for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand my research experience working with mammals. I have been interested in studying large mammals for many years. I began studying ungulate (mainly Black-Tailed Deer and Elk) behavior and habitat selection at a very young age, in the form of hunting. As my education and appreciation grew for animals, I have transitioned to a more peaceful form of studying ungulates, mainly through tracking and wildlife photography. Until now, I have never had an opportunity to formally work with ungulates. I am thrilled to get a chance to study bighorn sheep ecology, habitat selection, and natural history. Since getting my Bachelors degree, I have obtained research experience though my various positions. I have gotten adequate field

experience and in order to advance toward my career goals, I need to get my Masters degree. After obtaining my Masters degree I want to either continue on to get my PhD degree in a similar field or start working for an organization such as an environmental consulting firm, where I can use the experience gained through my Masters degree. Through my research, I hope that someday I can make sure that animal habitats are properly conserved and managed. To properly manage landscapes we must first fully understand the animals that inhabit them. I have the proper education, research experience, and outdoor experience to be the perfect candidate for this position, and I hope to apply them to bighorn sheep conservation.