My research is in the area of Evolutionary Ecology. In Evolutionary Ecology we examine
questions of evolutionary (genetic) change in populations on ecological time and
spatial scales. This approach only came to maturity with the advent of high resolution
molecular techniques such as high-throughput DNA sequencing and DNA fingerprinting.
Therefore, this research requires knowledge and skills in the fields of molecular
biology, phylogenetic systematics, evolution, and ecology. The specific questions
I investigate include: 1) phylogeography (spatial genetic history of populations)
of broadly distributed ecological generalist species in the southwestern U.S. deserts,
2) genetic and ecological consequences of hybridization, and 3) local adaptation
in marginal environments. I primarily utilize three different lizard species as model
organisms in this research (Tree lizards, Urosaurus ornatus; Long-tailed brush lizards,
Urosaurus graciosus; and Eastern Fence lizards, Sceloporus undulatus). My research
questions involve not only collecting field data as an ecologist would do, but also
carrying out molecular DNA analyses as typically done by molecular biologists in
the lab.
