Venom Evolution in Mojave Rattlesnakes
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My dissertation research used Mojave Rattlesnakes, Crotalus scutulatus, as the model to understand the evolution of Type A (neurotoxic) and Type B (hemorrhagic) venom. Through the use of comparative transcriptomics and proteomics, I sought to understand potential selection pressures that are maintaining both venom types within the species in discrete geographic locations. I have conducted field work in the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave Deserts of the U.S. and Mexico collecting rattlesnakes for my dissertation.
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Comparative Phylogeography of Two Snakes
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In collaboration with my undergraduate mentees, Hollis Dahn and Alejandro Osorio, we are trying to understand the evolutionary history of two desert snakes. The Long-nosed snake, Rhinocheilus lecontei and the Glossy snake, Arizona elegans, are two closely related colubrids with similar ecologies. They are both distributed in the deserts of North America and interact with several potential phylogeographic barriers. We are comparing the evolutionary histories of these two species with respect to common biogeographic events in the region, particularly the influence of the American Cordillera on speciation.
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Phylogenetics of Toxicocalamus
My undergraduate mentee, Sharon Carter, and I were fortunate to be able to work with Fred Kraus on a collaborative project on the evolutionary history of the enigmatic genus of elapids from New Guinnea, Toxicocalamus. We found at least five undescribed species and that taxonomic revision is sorely needed for this genus.
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Phylogeography of Cottonmouths
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My Masters Research at Angelo State University used population genetics to understand the genetic structure in cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus, in the southeastern U.S.
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