David joined the DeWoody laboratory in November of 2003. Since arriving at the DeWoody lab, he has been involved in population genetic investigations of MHC in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and is starting major project isolating and characterizing gender-specific DNA markers in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). David’s research approach typically involves statistical- and phylo-genetics to study molecular evolution, conservation and phylogeography .

David came to the lab from New Zealand where he studied for his PhD at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. His dissertation investigated molecular evolution in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene in the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) and proteasome gene family evolution in jawed vertebrates. Prior to his PhD work, he earned a Master’s degree at Brigham Young University where he researched the molecular phylogeography of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris).