Melissa Pespeni directs the Pespeni Lab which studies the processes that generate and impact biodiversity, particularly in the contexts of complex natural ecosystems and rapidly changing climatic conditions. To discover connections between variation in genes and phenotypes in the context of the environment, the lab integrates approaches in genomics, population genetics, developmental genetics, physiology, and ecology using natural populations in both fields and lab-based investigations.

Lori Stevens conducts research on the evolution and ecology of host-pathogen interactions, especially population genetics of invertebrate hosts of Chagas' disease. The overall questions driving her research center on understanding the ecological and genetic factors contributing to variation in infection and virulence.  Her studies include a rich assortment of topics, including host-pathogen population dynamics, vector feeding and host specificity, the evolution of virulence, and the costs of resistance and defense.

Laurent Hébert-Dufresne studies the interaction of structure and dynamics. His research involves network theory, statistical physics and nonlinear dynamics along with their applications in epidemiology, ecology, biology, and sociology. Recent projects include comparing complex networks of different nature, the coevolution of human behavior and infectious diseases, understanding the role of forest shape in determining the stability of tropical forests, as well as the impact of echo chambers in political discussions.

Dr. Keller studies the interaction between genomic variation in natural populations and environmental change. Human changes to the environment such as climate change and biological invasions can abruptly alter both the genetic and ecological context within which species evolve--his group is working to characterize the impacts of these events on the diversity and evolutionary potential within species, and their consequences for conservation and resource management. His primary focus is on the genetics of forest trees and invasive plants, but he also works on other study systems with collaborators. Many of his questions require a multidisciplinary approach, and thus the tools he uses to address them are broad.

Lola has an academic background in environmental science, environmental justice and African studies and is interested in providing inclusive student services and program coordination that emphasizes social justice.