People

Craig Albertson (PI)

Generally speaking, my lab seeks to understand how genotype is translated to phenotype over development, with implications for both adaptation and disease. Our approach to this mission is integrative, as we work within several different theoretical frameworks, focus on multiple levels of biological organization, and utilize many different experimental methods. Image: Craig at the Burgress Shale (2017) standing atop a pile of Cambrian fossils! (photo credit: I. Dworkin).

rcraigalbertson@gmail.com; rcalbert@umass.edu

Dave Matthews (Postdoc)

One of the major goals of evolutionary biology is to understand how genomic variation leads to fitness disparities. While great progress has been made on this question within eukaryotes, much of it rests on qualitative or single-dimensional traits; yet most natural variation is inherently quantitative.

The overarching goal of my research is to use biomechanics as a mechanistic bridge to fill the gap between genetic variation and fitness in complex traits. To do this, I use craniofacial genetics and feeding performance in cichlid fishes. Each field has a long history, both within cichlids and across fishes, perfectly setting the stage for us to build an integrative understanding of how evolution operates within these animals and beyond.

Leticja Flamuraj (OEB PhD student)

Carly Myers (OEB PhD student)

Niah Holtz (OEB PhD student)

My research happily rests between the boundaries of evolutionary biology and computer science. I find fascination in many things, but I am a sucker for big data and automated analyses. My past work has focused on behavioral and morphometric assays, but I always want to learn more. Thus, I am digging into the complex life of cichlids and Astyanax mexicanus. Excited and at home in this interdisciplinary lab.

Lab Alumni:

Chloe Hoff (OEB MS student, 2025-2026), Behavioral Research Intern, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Riley Kussmaul (MCB MS student, 2023-2024), Research Assistant, Genetics Dept., Harvard Med. School.
Hewan Weldai (MCB MS student, 2023-2024), PhD student, Vet and Animal Science, UMass, Amherst.
Andy Conith (Postdoc, 2017-2023), Assistant Professor, DePaul University.
Emily Tetrault (MCB PhD, 2017-2023), Biology Teacher, Chicopee Comprehensive HS.
Michelle Gilbert (OEB PhD, 2017-2022), Teaching Faculty, Penn State University.
Mary Packard (Postdoctoral Fellow, 2018-2022), Staff Lab Coordinator, Departmental of Biology, UMass, Amherst.
Prakrit Subba (MCB MS student, 2019-2020), Postdoc, Medical University of South Carolina.
Dina Navon (OEB PhD, 2012-2018), Associate Professor, University of the Fraser Valley.
Laura Suttenfield (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018), Research Fellow in Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School.
Moira Conith (OEB PhD, 2011-2018), Postdoctoral Fellow, Western Washington University.
Doug Calenda (MCB MS student, 2016-2017), PA in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
Kara Powder (Postdoctoral Fellow, 2011-2016), Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences.
Kenta Kawasaki (MCB MS student, 2015-2016), Last known whereabouts: Zebrafish tech Fisher Lab, Boston Univ.
Yinan Hu (OEB PhD student, 2009-2015), Bioinformatics Scientist, Veracyte Inc.
Jim Cooper (Postdoc, 2007-2011), Associate Professor, Western Washington University.
Kevin Parsons (Postdoc, 2008-2012), Reader, University of Glasgow
Nicole Jacobs-McDaniels (PhD student, 2008-2012), Assistant Professor, Hamilton College.
Thomas Stewart (Undergraduate student, 2007-2010), Assistant Professor, Penn State University.

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