Fancy feathers, milky pigeons

For over 10 years, Dan Smith, professor of chemistry and department chair, has been running research that looks at the genetics of pigeons, which he does with the help of a few students. Smith said, “I can only have about two or three people at a time because I actually work pretty closely with them.”  Right now those students are Mikey Anderson, a senior environmental science major; Julia Miller, a sophomore biochemistry major; and Levi Moser, a first-year environmental science major who helps with taking pictures.  “We’re interested in trying to figure out what mutations in genes cause different colors...

By Annabelle Bartz • February 6, 2025 • Features