December 11, 2006
Mexican research lab honors biologist Burney Le Boeuf
By Tim Stephens
Burney Le Boeuf, research professor of ecology and evolutionary
biology and associate vice chancellor for research, was honored last
week by the National Polytechnic Institute in La Paz, Mexico. The institute
dedicated its pinniped ecology laboratory to Le Boeuf in recognition of
his pioneering research on marine mammals.
Burney Le Boeuf in front of the lab named in his honor.
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At a ceremony on December 4, Rafael Cervantes, director of the institute,
and David Aurioles-Gamboa, director of the laboratory, unveiled a plaque bearing
Le Boeuf's name over the entrance to the laboratory. Aurioles-Gamboa earned his
Ph.D. in biology at UCSC in 1988 and has maintained his connections with the
campus through various research collaborations.
Le Boeuf has conducted extensive research on the behavioral ecology
and physiology of marine mammals. In particular, he is known for
his work on the social and reproductive behavior of elephant seals,
as well as their diving, foraging, and migratory behavior. While
much of his research was conducted at nearby Año Nuevo
Island Reserve, Le Boeuf has led expeditions to research sites
throughout the world, including Mexico, Argentina, the Galapagos
Islands, and Japan. He is the author of three books and more than
157 peer-reviewed articles.