Dr. Kristiina Hurme

Biography

Kristiina Hurme is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington, specializing in Behavioral Ecology. She has conducted extensive research on maternal care in neotropical frogs, particularly focusing on the species Leptodactylus insularum in Panama. Her dissertation revealed that these frog mothers provide care for schools of thousands of tadpoles in temporary ponds, with findings indicating the tadpoles reached metamorphosis surprisingly quickly. Hurme has also studied how maternal behavior can influence the survival of tadpoles against various predators such as fishing spiders and herons. Additionally, she has researched male competition among frogs, focusing on traits such as muscular arms and thumb spines that serve as intrasexual weapons during mating. Her experience extends beyond field research to include designing enrichment programs for animals in zoos and using positive reinforcement techniques to train monkeys and sea lions. She has engaged with vocal communication, territoriality, and mating courtship in various Neotropical species, contributing significantly to the understanding of animal behavior through both practical and theoretical frameworks.

Research Interests

Experience