The Hoffman Lab

A fundamental aim of evolutionary biology is to understand the diversity of phenotypes found in natural populations. This aim is the motivation behind my research to determine how genetic and phenotypic variation influence organismal evolution.  The main theme of my research program is to investigate levels of genetic variation present in natural populations and to utilize this information to address hypotheses about the molecular ecology/population genetics of the organism.  This theme has manifested into an array of research avenues that share this common goal.

Within population genetics, my research falls into three general categories investigating:

In particular, my current research involves the investigation of population genetic structure of southeastern anurans (Pseudacris ornata and Hyla squirella); conservation genetic studies of Striped Newts (Notophthalmus perstriatus), Lower Keys Marsh Rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri - Read article here); and the evolution of the invasive charru mussel (Mytella charruana), green mussel (Perna viridis), and pink titan acorn barnacle (Megabalanus coccopoma).

I am open to working on just about any organism such that the research generally fits into the above categories.