Ecology &
Evolutionary Biology

Many scientific fields – including ecology, evolutionary biology, taxonomy, systematics, palaeontology, and conservation biology – are rooted in natural history. Today, natural history data and research continue to play a quintessential role in uncovering the mechanisms that generate and influence natural systems.  In the classroom, I am interested in using natural history to illustrate evolutionary principles, inspire an appreciation for biodiversity, and encourage the development of transferable skills.

In addition to my interests in education, my research focuses on taxonomy, systematics, and using phylogenetic approaches to study the evolution of complex traits in non-model systems. I primarily work on Hirudinea (leeches and their relatives), but am interested in a broad array of invertebrate systems.