Tom Jensen, Ph.D.

Scientist/Reproductive Physiology

Dr. Tom Jensen is currently involved in a captive breeding and research program for the brown kiwi, an endangered New Zealand bird. He has been involved with the development and use of new techniques for hormone assay, ultrasound analysis, and behavior to better understand the reproductive physiology of brown kiwis to try to increase their reproductive success in captivity. The new knowledge and techniques gained from the captive research is also being used in the San Diego Zoo's field research program in New Zealand.

Dr. Jensen has worked on development of techniques for DNA isolation from bird feces, feathers, blood, and eggshell membranes for sexing of monomorphic species and newly hatched chicks in multiple species. Currently he is developing techniques to take blood samples from birds still in the egg for sexing. This is important for collection management of certain species. He is also investigating the feasibility of transferring embryonic and adult germ stem cells of endangered species to domestic hosts to enhance the reproductive potential of endangered birds.

Dr. Jensen received his bachelor's of science in zoology from Northern Arizona University and his doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. He began studying kiwis during his postdoctoral fellowship in the Reproductive Physiology Division.