Dr. John Parks is a reproductive physiologist in the Department of Animal Science specializing in gamete physiology. His research interests have been focused on sperm production and function. Areas of emphasis have been (1) lipid composition of the mammalian sperm plasma membrane as it relates to capacitation and fertilization as well as cryopreservation, and (2) gene expression during spermatogenesis as it relates to germ cell specificity and male fertility. Dr. Parks teaches 2 upper division reproductive physiology courses and labs and contributes to a graduate level reproductive physiology course. Dr. Parks also directs the Cornell Raptor Program which demonstrates and promotes aspects of animal husbandry relevant to raptor conservation, including captive breeding. He co-teaches an exotic avian husbandry course.