Evolution Happens blog
Assistant Adjunct Professor – UCLA
Ph.D., UCLA (2012)
M.S., Cal State Los Angeles (2006)
B.S., University of California Riverside (2000)
Ph.D., UCLA (2012)
M.S., Cal State Los Angeles (2006)
B.S., University of California Riverside (2000)
My research interests are focused on the evolution of coastal marine animals, particularly how the origination and distribution of species are influenced by processes of dispersal, tectonics, and changes in climate regimes over geologic time. I am also interested in what types of characteristics influence rates of speciation, and how species adapt to their ecological surroundings. To answer these questions, I combine DNA sequences with geologic, climatic, and character trait data and analyze them using populations genetics, phylogeography, and phylogenetic comparative methods.
My career goal is to explore these research questions while teaching at the university level and communicating science to a broad audience. I strongly believe that scientists have a responsibility to convey our research clearly to the general public, giving them an appreciation for the importance of basic research and sharing our enthusiasm for understanding the workings of the natural world.
My career goal is to explore these research questions while teaching at the university level and communicating science to a broad audience. I strongly believe that scientists have a responsibility to convey our research clearly to the general public, giving them an appreciation for the importance of basic research and sharing our enthusiasm for understanding the workings of the natural world.