Research
Research Questions
What are the systematic relationships of African cyprinids?
My primary research interests focus on the vastly understudied Enteromius (a genus of minnows) of Africa. My research to date establishes the evolutionary relationships of the group and creates a consistent and meaningful taxonomy.
How do anthropogenic disturbances influence genetic diversity?
Waterways are increasingly under threat due to human influences. Pollution, dewatering, and damming are major examples of anthropogenic disturbances of rivers and streams and can be found ubiquitously throughout the world. The effects of these disturbances can be observed and described using genetic methods by examining population connectivity and fragmentation. My research aims to investigate the genetic effects of these disturbances, particularly on the native ichthyofauna. By understanding the dynamics of a population, conservation and restoration methods can be more reliably implemented by local, state, or federal agencies.
How can non-native/invasive species and their sources be identified?
Non-native species can quickly establish populations and outcompete native taxa. Sometimes, non-natives carry vectors of disease and transmit infections to native hosts, causing decreased fitness or death in native taxa. I have collaborations with my colleagues to identify source populations of invasive parasites and other taxa.
Diversity Statement
My research program involves collaborators at other institutions, from other countries, and at various education levels. I strongly value contributions, opinions, and perspectives from cultures different from my own. When we as researchers take intentional steps to bring diversity to our community, the entire field benefits from novel perspectives into research questions and implications.
Research History
I was first recruited into a freshwater fish genetics lab as an undergraduate. Over a decade later, I continue to focus primarily on fishes, but my skills and knowledge have led me to collaborations beyond the ichthyological realm.
As an undergraduate, I worked on live-bearing Mexican fish in the Tribe Chapalichthyini.
My Master's research focused on the southeastern United States endemic Percina nigrofasciata, the Blackbanded Darter, to understand how the species moved and diversified across the coastal plain.
At Auburn University, I work on the systematics and taxonomy of African barbs, a group desperately in need of taxonomic revision.
I research genetics and conservation of minnows in the United States using molecular methods to describe diversity at the population, species, and genus level.
Other population genetics questions have piqued my interest. I have collaborative papers on snakes, snake parasites, and salamanders.