Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
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Position title: Wildlife Biologist
Email: pdummer@usgs.gov
Phone: 608.781.6241
Fax: 608.783.6066
Education:
1998 BS University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin (Biology)
Primary Responsibilities/Activities:
Conduct field research across the United States on effects of contaminants on wildlife, focusing primarily on birds. Assist with contaminants studies involving organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, avicides, Perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
Research Interests:
Active Projects:
Select Publications:
Custer, C.M., T. W. Custer, J. E. Hines, J. D. Nichols, and P. M. Dummer. 2007. Adult tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) survival on the polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated Housatonic River, Massachusetts, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:1056-1065.
Custer, T.W., P. M. Dummer, C. M. Custer, A. U. Li, D. Warburton, M. J. Melancon, D. J. Hoffman, C. W. Matson, and J. W. Bickham. Water level management and contaminant exposure to tree swallows nesting on the Upper Mississippi River. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (2007). doi:10.1007/s10661-006-9588-8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10661-006-9588-8
Custer, C. M., T. W. Custer, C. J. Rosiu, P. M. Dummer, M. J. Melancon,
and J. W. Bickham. 2005. Exposure and effects of dioxins, furans, and other organochlorine chemicals on tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24:93-109.
Custer, T.W., C. M. Custer, P. M. Dummer, G. M. Linz, L. Sileo, R. S. Stahl, and J. J. Johnston. 2003. Nontarget bird exposure to DRC-1339 during Fall in North Dakota and Spring in South Dakota. In G. M. Linz, editor. Management of North American blackbirds. National Wildlife Reseach Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Pages 64-70.
Custer, C.M., T. W. Custer, P. M. Dummer, and K. L. Munney. 2003. Exposure and effects of chemical contaminants on tree swallows nesting along the Housatonic River, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA 1998-2000. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 22:1605-1621.