-
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.
-
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.
-
Public outreach
Lab members conduct scientific outreach in local schools and museums.
-
Whisking whiskers
Graduate student Jake Gable studies the genetics and development of whisker evolution in arboreal forest deer mice.
-
Burrowing Behavior
Postdoc Caroline Hu is studying the neural basis of burrowing behavior in deer mice.
-
Skeletal evolution
Graduate student Emily Hager studies the coevolution of morphological and behavioral adaptation to climbing.
-
Nesting behavior
Graduate student Caitlin Lewarch is interested in the genetic and neurobiological basis of nesting behaviors.
-
Measuring behavioral variation
We use automated methods to quantify natural variation in mouse behavior.
-
In the Lab
Graduate student Nicole Bedford is studying burrowing behavior in a controlled lab environment.
-
In the field
We collect DNA from wild populations of mice across North America.
-
Experiment in Progress
We work with former postdoc Rowan Barrett, using field enclosures to measure fitness in natural populations of mice.
-
Linking Pheonotypic Variation
Morphometrics allow us to link phenotypic variation with genetic changes.
-
Pigmentation Pattern Formation
Postdoc Ricardo Mallarino uses evo-devo techniques to uncover the mechanisms underlying pattern formation in different mammals.
-
Reproductive traits evolution
We study the genetic basis of reproductive traits (such as sperm morphology and behavior) influenced by sexual selection.
-
Natural Selection & Cryptic Pigmentation
We have used plasticine models to evaluate if natural selection favors cryptic pigmentation in deer mice.
-
Basis of Burrowing
Graduate student Olivia Meyerson is studying the neurobiological basis of burrowing in wild mice.
-
Pigment Patterning in Vivo
Viral vectors are used to test the role of genes, and their underlying developmental mechanisms, on pigment patterning in vivo.
-
Natural Trait Variation
Graduate student Nicole Bedford is studying the evolutionary history of natural populations.
-
Hair Pigmentation
Postdoc Ricardo Mallarino studies the developmental basis of pigmentation and patterning in mammals.