I am an applied quantitative ecologist. I work at the intersection of disease ecology, population demography, and animal behavior, often employing data science techniques to provide evidence-based solutions to conservation challenges. I also study disturbance ecology, particularly how natural and anthropogenic disturbances influence host-pathogen dynamics. My research incorporates many taxonomic groups, from fish to frogs to finches to furry critters. Ultimately, my research aims to directly inform species conservation and management.
PLEASE VISIT MY PERSONAL WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://gabrielbarrile.weebly.com
Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lFpoeToAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Download CVProfessional Preparation and Appointments
Professional Preparation
Ph.D. Ecology, University of Wyoming, May 2021
B.S. Environmental Biology, Bloomsburg University, December 2013
Publications
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Barrile, G. M., Chalfoun, A. D., and Walters, A. W. (2021). Infection status as the basis for habitat choices in a wild amphibian. The American Naturalist, 197(1), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.1086/711927
Barrile, G. M., Walters, A. W., Webster, M. E., and Chalfoun, A. D. (2021). Informed breeding dispersal following stochastic changes to patch quality in a pond-breeding amphibian. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90(8), 1878–1890. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13503
Barrile, G. M., Chalfoun, A. D., and Walters, A. W. (2021). Livestock grazing, climatic variation, and breeding phenology jointly shape the disease dynamics and survival in a wild amphibian. Biological Conservation, 261:109247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109247
LeCheminant, A. G., Barrile, G. M., Albeke, S. E., and Walters, A. W. (2021). Movement dynamics and survival of stocked Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus). Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, 150(6), 679-693. https://doi.org/10.1002/tafs.10322
Barrile, G. M., Chalfoun, A. D, Estes-Zumpf, W., and Walters, A. W. (2022). Wildfire influences individual growth and breeding dispersal, but not survival and recruitment in a montane amphibian. Ecosphere, 13(8), e4212. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4212
Barrile, G. M., Walters, A. W., and Chalfoun, A. D. (2022). Stage-specific environmental correlates of reproductive success in Boreal Toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas). Journal of Herpetology, 56(1), 34-44. https://doi.org/10.1670/21-023
Barrile, G. M., Augustine, D. J., Porensky, L. M., Duchardt, C. J., Shoemaker, K. T., Hartway, C. R., Derner, J. D., Hunter, E., and Davidson, A D. (2023). A big data–model integration approach for predicting epizootics and population recovery in a keystone species. Ecological Applications, 33(4), e2827. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2827
Barrile, G. M., Bernard, R. F., Wilcox, R. C., Becker, J. A., Dillon, M. E., Thomas-Kuzilik, R. R., Bombaci, S. P., and Merkle, B. G. (2023). Equity, community, and accountability: leveraging a department-level climate survey as a tool for action. PLoS ONE, 18(8): e0290065. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290065
ONLINE COURSES
Population Modeling in Ecology
Developed a 3-credit graduate course on statistical modeling in population ecology. The course introduces key software packages and fundamental models used in fish and wildlife population analysis. Course content includes estimating ecological state variables (occupancy, abundance) and population vital rates (survival, recruitment, dispersal) of both marked and unmarked populations, accounting for imperfect detection. All materials hosted on GitHub: (https://github.com/gbarrile/Population_Modeling_Sp23)
Additional materials regarding Population Modeling in Ecology
Instructional videos with associated code and data can be found at: https://github.com/gbarrile/PopEcoModeling
MEDIA
Interview with UnDisciplined, a research-themed program on Utah Public Radio: https://www.upr.org/programs/2021-12-02/undisciplined-lets-talk-toads
Selected Presentations
Barrile, G. M. Behavioral and demographic responses to environmental change in a pond-breeding amphibian. University of Wyoming. December 2020. Dissertation defense.
Webster, M. E.*, Barrile, G. M., Chalfoun, A. D., and Walters, A. W. Temporal variation in the number and area of beaver ponds in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, USA during 2006–2018. Wyoming/Colorado Chapter Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Laramie, Wyoming. February 2020. *indicates mentored presenter
Barrile, G. M., Chalfoun, A. D., and Walters, A. W. Host habitat choices provide behavioral immunity in a natural population. Wyoming/Colorado/Utah Chapter Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Laramie, Wyoming. February 2018. Best student talk award
Barrile, G. M, Walters, A. W., and Chalfoun, A. D. Host behavior and thermal profile influence infection risk in a wild amphibian population. Wyoming Chapter Meeting of The Wildlife Society. Jackson, Wyoming. November 2017. Best student talk award
Barrile, G. M. Quantitative methods for the analysis of animal movement and habitat selection. Wildlife and Rangeland Workshop. Pinedale, Wyoming. November 2016. Invited talk.