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evo-devo and neurobiology in a rapidly changing world
Change is an inevitability faced by all living organisms.
Change is an inevitability faced by all living organisms.
My research takes a systems-level approach to explore when individuals can respond to change within their lifetimes and what mechanisms they use to do it. Specifically, I explore
(1) variation in how individuals and populations detect and respond to environmental conditions and how this variation shapes micro- and macro-evolutionary patterns
(2) how individuals and populations avoid neural system damage in extreme environments.
Phenotypic Plasticity across Changing Environments
Phenotypic Plasticity across Changing Environments
All organisms must accurately determine signals from noise when sensing the current environment. My research program leverages signal-detection theory to test predictions for when and how sensitivity to cues that initiate alternative developmental trajectories should shift.
The Nervous System in Extreme Environments
The Nervous System in Extreme Environments
Many anuran species show tolerance to seasonal freezing and low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments. This project explores plasticity in traits that protect the nervous system from damage during near-freezing and freezing temperatures, with a special focus on the larval (i.e. tadpole) stage.
Study System
Study System
Pond-breeding anurans (frogs and toads) have short developmental time periods, distinct phenotypes across life stages, and can breed/survive in lab settings. The speciose group has tremendous variation in ecology, providing opportunities for comparative studies.
Research, Work, & Education
Research, Work, & Education
Postdoctoral Associate | Cornell University (present)
NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology | Utah State University (2022-2024)
Assistant Director at Learning Support Services | University of California Santa Cruz (2019-2022)
PhD | University of California Santa Cruz (2013-2019)
BA | Princeton University (2007-2011)
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