Fang-Yu (Betty) Shen
- Doctor of Philosophy (2021-2026 expected) – Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University
- Master of Science (2018-2020) – School of Forestry and Resources Conservation, National Taiwan University
- Bachelor of Science (2014-2018) – Department of Biological Resources, National Chiayi University
Hello, I am an ornithologist from Taiwan, currently pursuing Ph.D. at the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University, working with Dr. Douglas Robinson. My research focuses on developing data integration methods to better predict birds’ distribution and abundance. Further, I am interested in understanding how habitat change impacts the ecosystem services provided by birds because birds offer pest control, pollination, and many other services that benefit human well-being. My life is surrounded by nature and wildlife. Studying wildlife and its dynamics over time is my biggest interest and passion. My path to nature started in high school when my former high school teacher led me the way to explore the beauty of nature in different aspects.
After entering National Chiayi University, I joined Dr. Jo-Szu Tsai’s lab to learn about the relationship between habitat and birds. I started to get involved in citizen/community science, including participating in Breeding Bird Survey Taiwan, New Year Bird Count, and eBird. I presented my undergraduate research at conferences nationally and internationally (e.g., International Ornithological Congress). Now, studying in the United States, I am continuing to work with Dr. Douglas Robinson to explore the world of birds.
Please refer to my research and services pages for more specific background in each field. In my free time, I create art, specializing in traditional Chinese ink painting and watercolor. I was a 2022-2023 Art-Sci fellow. The main goal of this program is to transform knowledge we have gained from science into an art form. For this fellowship, I combined traditional Chinese painting with watercolor to illustrate the three chapters of my dissertation. Recently, I also devote myself a lot to education and outreach.
A bird researcher
My research focuses on how to accurately estimate number of birds by integrating citizen/community science data (i.e., eBird) with professional data (i.e., Oregon 2020 project). I am also interested in evaluating how habitat change impacts the number of birds and their roles in the environment that benefit human well-being.
Impacting the World
I picture myself as a leader, leading a group of amazing people to positively impact the world. These impacts include research, outreach, education, and people. Successful leaders were established under the support team members. Without their support, no changes can be made.
Educator & teacher
I embrace the unique backgrounds that shape students’ diverse journeys. As a teacher, my role is to help students reach their goals and give them feedback to help them grow.
accomplishments
Awards & Grants
| 2024 | Graduate Student Travel Award ($1000) |
| Google Earth Engine Grant – 1000 GB ($312) | |
| 2nd place in Best Graduate Poster Research Advances in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology Symposium ($50) | |
| 2023 | Graduate Student Travel Award ($1000) |
| 2nd place in Graduate Students’ Visualize Your Bibliography Competition ($500) | |
| 2022 | 1st place in Best Graduate Poster Research Advances in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology Symposium ($250) |
accomplishments
Scholarships & Fellowship
| 2024 | Oregon Lottery Graduate Scholarship ($4000) |
| 2023 | Thomas G. Scott Grant Scholarship ($1500) |
| 2022 | Munson Wildlife Graduate Scholarship ($2000) |
| Art-Sci Fellowship ($1000) | |
| 2021 | Assistantship granted by the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences ($2500 monthly stipend) |
| 2019 | Student Exchange Program ($10,000) |
| 2018 | Scholarship awarded from the School of Forestry and Resources Conservation, National Taiwan University ($1000) |