• Hoekstra Lab members outfront of BioLabs building

    The Hoekstra Lab

    Members of the Hoekstra Lab study the molecular, genetic, developmental and/or neurobiological basis of evolutionary change.

  • From morphology to behavior

    We use natural populations of rodents to study the genetic basis of natural variation – from morphology to behavior.

  • Public outreach

    Lab members conduct scientific outreach in local schools and museums.

  • Into the field

    We conduct experiments in the field to measure natural variation and fitness in wild populations.

  • Museum specimens

    The lab uses natural history collections to study spatial and temporal variation in natural populations.

  • Whisking whiskers

    We study the genetics and development of whisker evolution in arboreal deer mice.

  • Burrowing Behavior

    We study the genetic and neural basis of burrowing behavior in deer mice.

  • Skeletal evolution

    We study the evolution of skeletal morphology and its role in climbing performance.

  • Nesting behavior

    We study the genetic and neurobiological basis of nesting and parental behaviors.

  • Experiment in Progress

    We conduct experiments in field enclosures to measure fitness in natural populations.

  • Measuring behavioral variation

    We use automated methods to quantify natural variation in mouse behavior.

  • In the Lab

    We study burrowing behavior in a controlled lab environment.

  • In the field

    We collect DNA from wild populations of mice across North America.

  • Natural Selection & Cryptic Pigmentation

    We use experiments to test the role of natural selection in pigment variation.

  • Linking Pheonotypic Variation

    Morphometrics allow us to link phenotypic variation with genetic changes.

  • Pigmentation Pattern Formation

    We use evo-devo techniques to uncover the mechanisms underlying pattern formation across mammals.

  • Reproductive traits evolution

    We study the genetic basis of reproductive traits (such as sperm morphology and behavior) influenced by sexual selection.

  • Basis of Burrowing

    We study the neurobiological basis of burrowing in wild mice.

  • Pigment Patterning in Vivo

    We use viral vectors to test the role of genes, and their underlying developmental mechanisms, on pigment patterning in vivo.

  • Natural Trait Variation

    We travel to our field sites to study the evolutionary history of natural populations.

  • Hair Pigmentation

    We study the developmental basis of pigmentation and patterning variation in mammals.