Ana Serrano Jiménez

The aim of my Master's Thesis is to analyse the effect of capture and handling stress on the white blood cell counts and thus the immune status of black starlings (Sturnus unicolor). In addition, blood samples obtained from two different points (brachial and jugular) will also be compared to determine if there are differences. In short, the aim of this TFM is to improve the blood collection protocol to avoid biases and improve the welfare of the captured animals, which is a great opportunity to continue my training and to get closer to the field of research.

My name is Ana Serrano, I was born in Seville and I studied Biology at the University of Seville. Thanks to the SICUE and ERASMUS mobility programmes, I also studied at the University of La Laguna and the University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia. Back in Seville, I did my TFG with the Nightjaring group at the Doñana Biological Station thanks to the JAE Intro grant, it was an immersive experience where I was able to approach the world of research for the first time. My enthusiasm for conservation and learning about wildlife has led me to participate in volunteer programmes in wildlife recovery centres such as CEGMA and GREFA. I also worked as an educator at the Seville Aquarium and I studied for Veterinary Assistant qualification. Currently, due to my interest in learning more about the role of wildlife in ecosystems, I am studying the Master's Degree in Basic and Applied Research in Game Resources at IREC. During my stay at IREC I will be lucky enough to do my Master's Thesis with the Behavioural Ecology and Endocrinology research group.