I am an evolutionary ecologist who takes empirical approaches to better understand the evolution of life history traits in natural populations. I use observational and experimental approaches in the field and in captivity, as well as a variety of quantitative statistical techniques, but these are motivated by a core interest in understanding the causes and consequences of natural variation in wild populations.
I am currently investigating the effects of natural selection on genetic architecture and inheritance in a natural population of side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana). In particular, I am interested in the potential for natural selection to promote mechanisms of non-Mendelian inheritance. Side-blotched lizards are an excellent system in which to address these ideas because male and female side-blotched lizards experience very different patterns of natural selection.
I have also used quantitative genetic techniques to examine life history adaptations in a natural population of red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). In this work I have combined short-term field experiments with analysis of long-term pedigree data (1989-present) to quantify heritabilities, genetic correlations and selection gradients as well as changes in phenotypes and breeding values across generations. For more information on our red squirrel work, including plans to examine mechanisms of adaptation in this population visit the red squirrel page.