Research 2021-04-15T18:06:56+00:00

Conservation & Molecular Ecology of Species

Understanding the interaction of genes and environment in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of species across the land and seascape

Research in the Burford Reiskind lab focuses on using molecular methods to determine the evolutionary history and future evolutionary trajectories of species. We use a variety of molecular methods to elucidate how random and selective processes contribute to population differentiation and speciation in “open” systems, such as most aquatic habitats and many terrestrial habitats for species that fly. Most of the species we work on have either conservation concern or current management issues. Therefore, the results of the research have direct applications to conservation and management. An overarching theme for the research in our lab is to understand how future environmental change or perturbations will affect the evolutionary trajectory of species or communities.

We also use conservation tools such as demographic modeling to better understand the future of populations given changes in disturbance regimes, habitat fragmentation, temperature gradients, and urbanization!

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” – Rachel Carson

Current Research Topics

Conservation of Small Populations