Hybridization, speciation, evolutionary genomics

ABOUT ME

I am an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow at  Penn State University. I am currently working in ​Dr. David Toews' lab on several projects involving hybridization and speciation in wood warblers.

NEWS

November 2022
Our warbler microbiome paper is published in Molecular Ecology
Press release
​Publication

March 2022
New preprint!
Gut microbiome composition better reflects host phylogeny than diet in breeding wood-warblers.
​Read it here.

June 2021
New publication!
Our new paper is out in The Scientific Naturalist (of the journal Ecology), entitled "Rare hybrid solves 'genetic problem' of linked plumage traits". Read more here.

May 2021
The field season is in full swing!
This year, we are focusing on several projects involving the gut microbiome, diet, and hybridization. Some of this work includes exciting new collaborations with Dr. Allison Cornell & ​Dr. Julian Avery. 
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Read about our work on hybridization and plumage trait inheritance in Vermivora warblers on the Feather Friday blog!

I am currently seeking an REU student
​interested in ecology & evolution

 Possible project topics involve songbird gut microbiomes, plumage coloration, and hybridization. No previous research experience is required. Opportunities include field and lab work (although remote participation is an option) and professional development activities. This is an NSF-funded, full-time, 10-week program that will run in June-August. The student will be paid $6000 + additional funds for supplies, travel, housing, and meals. You must be a US citizen, sophomores and juniors preferred.