Evolutionary genetics; molecular ecology and evolution; natural history; conservation biology; wildlife and fisheries management.
My lab group uses molecular markers to study otherwise cryptic aspects of biology. For example, we are interested in how natural and sexual selection act in concert to maintain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variation in natural populations. My graduate students work on a variety of questions in ecology and evolution.
I am always looking for talented and ambitious graduate students. Stipends at Purdue are generous, and all of my former students have gone on to productive careers in biology. If you are interested in graduate school, please contact me at the email address above.
2009-2011 |
US Civilian Research & Development Foundation “Non-invasive monitoring and conservation of raptors in Kazakhstan” with Todd Katzner and Evgeny Bragin |
2008-2009 |
National Science Foundation “Integrating genetic information into demographic models of linked populations” with Peter Waser and Jim Nichols |
2008-2009 |
National Science Foundation “Research Opportunity Award (ROA): the influence of genotype on vertebrate survivorship (supplement)” |
2008-2009 |
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources “Supplement to Development of DNA-based sexing assays for lake sturgeon” |
2008-2009 |
Joint Transportation Research Program “Predicting and monitoring traffic-induced vertebrate mortality near wetlands” |
2007-2008 |
Great Lakes Fishery Trust “Supplement to Development of DNA-based sexing assays for lake sturgeon” |
2007-2008 |
National Science Foundation “Research experience for undergraduates (REU): the influence of genotype on vertebrate survivorship (supplement)” |
2007-2008 |
National Birds of Prey Trust “Molecular ecology and conservation of imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) from Kazakhstan” with T. Katzner (National Aviary) |
2007-2009 |
Forestry & Natural Resources “Applied Ecological Genetics at Purdue” with Profs. Bickham, Michler, Nichols, Rhodes, and Woeste |
2006-2008 |
Great Lakes Fishery Trust “Development of molecular sexing assays for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)” |
2006-2007 |
USDA-CSREES “Convergence of genomics and the land grant mission: emerging trends in the application of genomics in agricultural research” with S. Yaninek, PD |
2006-2007 |
National Geographic Society “Non-invasive genetic monitoring of the endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle in Kazakhstan” |
2005-2009 |
National Science Foundation “The influence of genotype on vertebrate survivorship” |
2005-2010 |
National Aviary “Noninvasive genetic monitoring of the endangered Imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca)” |
2004-2006 |
General Aviation Airports “Evaluation of wildlife hazards at general aviation airports in Indiana” with O.E. Rhodes |
2004-2006 |
Joint Transportation Research Program “Evaluation of wildlife hazards at general aviation airports in Indiana” with O.E. Rhodes |
2004-2006 |
Joint Transportation Research Program “Highway mortality reduction of terrestrial vertebrates” |
2004-2006 |
Great Lakes Fishery Trust “Development of DNA-based sexing assays for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)” |
2003-2007 |
USDA National Research Initiative “The influence of genotype on animal production” |