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.

Photo of Burney Le Boeuf

Burney Le Boeuf in front of the lab named in his honor.

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.

Email this story
Printer-friendly version
Return to Front Page