David Swanson

David Swanson is a Professor at the University of South Dakota whose research explores how birds physiologically adapt to environmental challenges. He investigates seasonal and thermal acclimatization, metabolic flexibility, and the ecological and evolutionary implications of phenotypic plasticity in avian systems. His lab integrates field studies with laboratory experiments to examine muscle phenotype, thermogenesis, and energy balance across seasons and climates. Swanson’s work contributes to understanding how birds cope with temperature variation and climate change. He mentors students in organismal biology, physiology, and ecology, and has authored numerous publications advancing knowledge of avian physiological ecology and environmental adaptation.