We study fundamental questions in evolution and ecology and apply them to biodiversity conservation. A primary focus of our research is on understanding how evolutionary and ecological processes lead to patterns of adaptation, fitness, and ultimately persistence in small populations. We work on a diversity of organisms in the wild and in the lab using field, experimental, and molecular approaches.  

We are based at Michigan State University's W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) in the Dept. of Integrative Biology. We are affiliated with the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior (EEB) program at MSU.

Our lab is committed to a culture of inclusion, respect, and support of all individuals. 

June 2024

6/1: New paper in Chemosphere: Population origin and heritable effects mediate road salt toxicity and thermal stress in an amphibian

May 2024

5/14: Congratulations to Alex Lewanski on receiving the Dr. Marvin Hensley Endowed Scholarship Award to support his work on Red cockaded woodpecker genomics!

April 2024

4/24: Congratulations to Meaghan Clark on receiving a NSF PRFB to work with Dr. Malin Pinsky on Giant Kelp population genomics!

4/15: Congratulations to Caitlin Weid and Tim Legare for both getting accepted to graduate programs!

March 2024

3/1: Congratulations to Cinnamon Mittan-Moreau for receiving a David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship to continue her work on using genomics and physiology to inform assisted migration strategies in Federally Endangered Mitchell's Satyr Butterflies!

Februrary 2024

2/5: Congratulations to Dr. Isabela Borges for a successful dissertation defense! Isabela is heading to the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden as their Rare Plant Conservation Scientist.